Page 278 of 361
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 279 of 361

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
7
Page 289 of 361
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will
return to the coolant bottle from the overflow tank. The
coolant pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if
there is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant to the cooling system when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
coolant pressure cap to cool an overheated engine.
Heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the coolant pressure cap while the system
is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
7
Page 349 of 361

Defroster, Rear Window................... 193
Defroster, Windshield...................63,188
Delay Wipers........................... 108
Digital Video Disc Player.................. 170
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 107
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 296
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 290
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 115
Drive Belts............................ 276
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 283
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 259
DVD Player............................ 170
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 72Electrical Power Outlets................... 124
Electronic Speed Control................... 111
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 145
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 252
Overheating.......................... 251
Emission Control System Maintenance......270,316
Engine............................... 268
Air Cleaner.......................... 277
Air Cleaner Filter...................... 277
Block Heater......................... 200
Break-In Recommendations................ 61
Checking Oil Level..................... 272
Compartment......................... 268
Coolant............................. 312
Cooling............................. 286
Exhaust Gas Caution..................29,239
Fails to Start.......................... 199
Fuel Requirements..................... 235
INDEX 349
10
Page 350 of 361

Oil ..............................272,312
Oil Change Interval.................... 274
Oil Selection.......................... 274
Oil Synthetic......................... 276
Overheating.......................... 251
Temperature Gauge..................... 138
Exhaust Gas Caution..............29,62,239,286
Exhaust System......................... 285
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 70
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 277
Air Conditioning....................192,282
Automatic Transaxle.................... 297
Engine Fuel.......................... 277
Engine Oil........................276,312
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 276
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 250Turn Signal.....................139,309,310
Floor Console.......................... 126
Fluid Capacities......................... 311
Fluid Leaks............................. 63
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 296
Brake............................... 313
Power Steering.....................282,313
Fog Light Service........................ 309
Fog Lights.......................106,143,309
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 260
Fuel................................. 235
Adding............................. 240
Additives............................ 238
Clean Air............................ 236
Filler Cap............................ 240
Filter............................... 277
Gasoline............................ 235
Gauge.............................. 139
350 INDEX
Page 355 of 361

Occupant Restraints....................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 235
Odometer............................. 142
Oil, Engine.........................272,312
Capacity............................ 311
Change Interval....................... 274
Checking............................ 272
Disposal............................ 276
Filter............................276,312
Filter Disposal........................ 276
Identification Logo..................... 275
Materials Added to..................... 276
Recommendation...................... 274
Synthetic............................ 276
Viscosity............................ 275
Onboard Diagnostic System..............269,270
Opener, Garage Door..................... 115
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Overdrive............................. 203Overhead Console....................... 114
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 114
Overheating, Engine...................138,251
Owner's Manual.......................4,340
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 206
Parking On Hill......................... 207
Passing Light........................... 107
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 99
Pets.................................. 61
Phone, Cellular.......................... 73
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 73
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 218
Power
Brakes.............................. 208
Distribution Center..................... 305
Door Locks........................... 17
Lift Gate............................. 27
INDEX 355
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