Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
brake fluid, fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are present, the cause should be corrected
immediately.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the tank.
2. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (8
liters), the Low Fuel symbol will light and re-
main lit until fuel is added. A warning chime will
sound when the light comes on.
3. Low Oil Pressure Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should come on briefly as a bulb check
when the engine is first started. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine. DO NOT operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected.This light does not show how
much oil is in the engine.The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.4. TRAC ON/OFF Lights
The Traction Control On light (TRAC ON) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the light does not come on, have the
bulb replaced.
The TRAC ON light also will come on when the system
is controlling traction.
The Traction Control Off light (TRAC OFF) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the TRAC OFF light does not come on,
have the bulb checked.
The TRAC OFF light will also come on when the Traction
Control switch has been used to turn the system off.
5. Trunk Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk is not latched
6. Tachometer
Measures engine revolutions-per-minute (RPM). The red
numbers at the end on the scale show the maximum
permissible RPM’s. Ease off on the accelerator before
reaching the red area.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4
1. Safety—
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under-inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over-responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system. The Mal-
function Indicator light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
following sample chart and on the tire pressure label
attached to the driver’s door.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants.................... 2or3
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
STARTING AND OPERATING 171
5
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial operation)
•Off road or desert operation
•If equipped for and operating with E —85 (ethanol)
fuel
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
7
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transaxle and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
7
About Your Brakes...................... 157
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 112
Accident Damage....................... 221
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 211
Adding Fuel.......................... 170
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 202
Air Conditioning....................137,140
Air Conditioning Controls.............137,140
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 146
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 205
Air Conditioning System................. 204
Air Pressure, Tires...................159,161
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................37,38
Airbag Light....................37,41,49,111
Airbag Maintenance...................... 40
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 167
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 211
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 211
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 157
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 112
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23Appearance Care....................... 220
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Headlights..................67,70
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 65
Automatic Temperature Control............ 140
Automatic Transaxle..................153,217
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 219
Fluid Level Check..................... 218
Reset Mode......................... 154
Selection Of Lubricant................. 217
Shifting............................ 154
Special Additives..................... 219
Backfire, Engine........................ 202
Ball Joints............................ 207
Battery............................182,203
Emergency Starting.................... 182
Gas Caution......................182,203
Jump Starting........................ 182
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................183,203
262 INDEX
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 176
Flat Tire Changing...................... 177
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 233
Fluid Leaks............................ 50
Fluid Level Checks...................... 218
Fog Lights............................. 68
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 186
Fuel..............................109,167
Adding............................. 170
Filler Cap........................... 171
Filter.............................. 202
Gauge............................. 109
Materials Added...................... 169
Octane Rating........................ 167
System Hoses........................ 217
Fuses.............................224,225
Garage Door Opener...................76,81
GasCap .............................. 171
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 168
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 168Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 110
Fuel............................... 109
Oil Pressure......................... 109
Speedometer/Odometer................ 111
Glass Cleaning......................... 223
Glove Compartment..................... 13
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 176
Head Restraints......................... 63
Headlights
Automatic........................... 67
Bulb Replacement..................226,227
Cleaning............................ 222
Dimmer Switch....................... 69
Lights On Reminder.................... 67
Switch.............................. 66
Time Delay........................... 67
Heated Mirrors......................... 56
Heated Seats........................... 61
Heater............................137,140
High Beam Indicator.................... 110
Holder, Cup........................... 55
266 INDEX