Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the
front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags
from working properly?
A:As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is
attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s
basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep
the air bags from working properly in a crash.
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front of the
vehicle that could keep the air bags from
working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or
height, they may keep the air bag system
from working properly. Also, the air bag system
may not work properly if you relocate any of the air
bag sensors. If you have any questions about
this, you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of theCustomer Satisfaction
Procedure on page 7-2.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to
NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P) if so equipped. Your engine
won’t start in any other position – that’s a safety
feature.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral and hold the
clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine.
Starter Motor Operation
•The starter motor will disengage if you release the
key or the engine reaches a predetermined engine
speed.
•To prevent overheating, the starter motor will
disengage after continuously operating for
15 seconds. You must release the key from the
start position to re-engage the starter.
•The starter motor will not engage if the engine is
already running.
•The starter motor will disengage if, after two
seconds, the starter pinion gear does not engage
the flywheel or there is no engine rpm signal
from the engine speed sensor.
Starting Your Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
2. If the engine doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down and crank the
engine for five more seconds, unless it starts
sooner.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool
down. Do Steps 1 through 3 again.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
If you ever need to have your vehicle towed, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
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Air Bag Readiness Light
If your vehicle has air bags, there is an air bag readiness
light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. The system check includes the air
bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring, the
passenger air bag suppression circuit and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on
the air bag system, seeAir Bag System on page 1-48.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system
is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air
bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN or
START. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
{CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not in ate in a crash, or they
could even in ate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the air bag
readiness light stays on after you start
your vehicle.
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oSEEKp:The right arrow is the same as the
NEXT pushbutton, and the left arrow is the same as the
PREV pushbutton. If the arrows are held or pressed
more than once, the player will continue moving forward
or backward through the tape.
AM FM:Press this button to listen to the radio when a
tape is playing. The inactive tape will remain safely
inside the radio for future listening.
TAPE:Press this button to play a cassette tape when
listening to the radio. CAS will appear on the display.
Z(EJECT):Press this button to eject a tape.
Eject may be activated with the radio off. Cassette tapes
may be loaded with the radio and vehicle off if this
button is pressed first.
Cassette Tape Messages
ERR (Error):If the player detects a tight or broken
tape, this message will appear on the display and the
player will eject the tape. The radio will go back to
playing the last station selected.
CLN (Clean):If this message appears on the display,
the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will
still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as
possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player.
SeeCare of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-57.
CD Adapter Kits
It is possible to use a portable CD player adapter kit
with your cassette tape player after deactivating
the tight/loose tape sensor feature on your tape player.
To deactivate this feature, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE button for two seconds
until one beep is produced. CAS will flash on the
display, showing that the TIGHT/LOOSE TAPE
sensor is no longer active.
4. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot.
The override feature will remain active until the eject
button is pressed.
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The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment on
the passenger’s side of the vehicle, or on the driver’s
side frame rail in front of the fuel tank.
1. Apply the parking brake
2. Unplug the water
sensor wire connected
to the fuel filter and
unscrew the filter
element.
3. Remove the filter element. If there is any dirt on the
filter sealing surface, clean it off. Remove and
reuse the water sensor float switch located on the
bottom of the fuel filter.4. Install the new filter element.
5. Reinstall and tighten the filter container and
reconnect the water sensor wire to the filter.
6. Use the fuel filter priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
7. Tighten the air bleed valve by turning it clockwise
until hand tight.
8. Start you engine and let it idle for five minutes.
Check your fuel filter and air bleed valve for
leaks.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
5-16
(39)= Air brake service:
•Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect drum
brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect other brake
parts at each wheel, including drums and wheel
speed sensor wiring. Check brake pedal for
excessive free play or travel (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first) and have serviced if needed.
Check brakes more often if driving habits and
conditions result in frequent braking. Replace air
dryer cartridge only if excessive oil or moisture
is present. A small amount of oil in the system is
normal and should not be considered as a reason to
replace the cartridge.
•Test air lines for leaks; tighten as needed. Replace
compressor filter.
•Inspect air parking brake chamber for leaks and
damage. Inspect lines and hoses for leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Also check all attachments for
tightness, wear or damage. Note: The spring
brake section of the rear brake diaphragms are
non-serviceable.
•Replace the air compressor filter element, mounted
on the air compressor. For remote air compressor
intake service, refer to engine air cleaner filter
replacement.
•Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the safety
valve, standard brake chambers, quick release
valves, quick release/double check valve
combinations, parking brake control valve, double
check valves, pressure protection valves and
alcohol injector (if equipped).
•Remove, disassemble and clean the application
valve; replace parts showing wear.
•Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the spring
brake control valve; replace rubber parts.
(40)= Clean and lubricate air brake automatic slack
adjuster. Check pushrod travel and auto adjustment
operation. Have serviced if needed.
(41)= Air brake chamber service: Check operation,
mounting, clamps and air lines and check for leaks.
(42)= Trailer brake hand control valve service: Check
operation; lubricate cam and follower.
(46)= Tighten the wheel stud nuts to the specified
torque values at 100 miles (160 km). Thereafter, tighten
them 1,000 miles (1 600 km) after each time the
wheel is removed. SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on
page 5-71.
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