
If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays onthrough several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111
4

the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 177
6

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing
it can make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. Follow the above precautions to keep
your exhaust system as safe as possible.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is
dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.
210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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