Page 212 of 273

Higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) may be used if
temperatures below -37°F (-38°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 213 of 273

Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine Off and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the MIN and MAX cold fill lines.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
7
Page 214 of 273

•Maintain coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 238 of 273
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule “A” 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule “B” 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
238 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Page 264 of 273

Instrument Panel..................... 223
Seat Belts........................... 223
Vinyl.............................. 221
Washing............................ 220
Waxing............................. 221
Wheels............................. 221
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 209
Climate Control........................ 137
Clock................................ 113
Coat Hook............................. 55
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 136
Compact Disc Player................. 114,119
Compact Spare Tire..................... 162
Compass............................94,98
Compass Calibration...................94,98
Compass Variance....................... 95
Computer, Trip/Travel..................93,96
Console, Overhead....................... 75
Contract, Service....................... 254
Cooling System........................ 210
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 211
Coolant Level........................ 213
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 211Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 211
Inspection........................... 210
Points to Remember................... 213
Pressure Cap........................ 212
Radiator Cap........................ 212
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 214
Selection of Coolant................... 211
Corrosion Protection.................... 220
Courtesy Lights......................... 66
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 202
Cruise Light.........................73,110
Cup Holder............................ 55
Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 65
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 193
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 139
Defroster, Windshield...............50,138,143
Diagnostic System, Onboard............ 111,191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 69
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 186
264 INDEX
Page 270 of 273

Seats............................... 59
Steering............................ 158
Steering, Checking.................... 205
Sunroof............................. 87
TrunkLid ............................ 25
Windows............................ 25
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 32
Programmable Electronic Features.....77,80,82,86
Programming Transmitters........20,77,80,82,86
Radial Ply Tires........................ 162
Radiator Cap.......................... 212
Radio.......................... 114,121,126
Radio Operation.....................134,136
Radio Remote Controls.................. 133
Rear Window Defroster.................. 139
Reclining Front Seats..................... 59
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 233
Reformulated Gasoline................... 168
Refrigerant............................ 205
Reminder, Lights On..................... 67Remote Keyless Entry.................... 18
Remote Trunk Release.................... 25
Replacement Bulbs...................... 226
Replacement Tires...................... 165
Reporting Safety Defects................. 255
Restraint, Head......................... 63
Restraints, Occupant..................... 27
Rotation, Tires......................... 166
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 49
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 50
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 49
Safety Tips............................. 49
Schedule, Maintenance................... 236
Scheduled Maintenance.................. 194
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 223
Seat Belts............................27,28
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 32
Child Restraint........................ 46
Extender............................ 32
Inspection........................... 49
Reminder........................... 110
270 INDEX