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 fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
8. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition key is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition key is first turned on, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A
chime will sound if you have not pulled the
shoulder belt out of the retractor. This is a reminder to
ªbuckle upº. If you do not buckle up, the light will
remain on.10. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, it means that there is a
problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE
IMMEDIATELY.
11. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does not
come on during starting, stays on, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
12. Theft Alarm Light Ð If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
13. Fuel Door Reminder
This symbol is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
80 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If
Equipped...........................124
mPower Steering........................125
mTire Safety Information..................125
NTire Markings........................125
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........128
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........129
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............133
NTire Pressure.........................133
NTire Inflation Pressures.................134
NRadial-Ply Tires......................136
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........136
NTire Spinning........................137
NTread Wear Indicators..................137
NReplacement Tires.....................138
NAlignment And Balance.................139
mTire Chains...........................139
mSnow Tires...........................140
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........141
mFuel Requirements.....................141
N2.0L Standard Engine..................141
N2.0L High Output Engine................142
NSpark Knock.........................142
NReformulated Gasoline.................142
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............142
NMMT In Gasoline.....................143
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................143
NMaterials Added To Fuel................144
NFuel System Cautions..................144
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............145
mAdding Fuel..........................145
NFuel Tank Filler Cap...................145
112 STARTING AND OPERATING
2. EconomyÐ
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. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle StabilityÐ
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver's door or the
driver's side ªBº pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the ªBº pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the ªSupplemental Tire Pressure
Informationº section of this manual.The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
ªBº PILLAR
134 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running.
²Turn off engine.
²Rotate the gas cap to the left to remove.
²To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten to the right until at least one click is heard.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
5
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and Go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert operation
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:
²Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Climate Controls........................ LED
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Dome Light............................T579
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................PC194
Instrument Cluster Illumination............PC194
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Rear Cargo............................T906
Seat Belt Indicator....................... LED
Security Alarm Indicator................... LED
Malfunction Indicator Light................ LED
Turn Signal Indicator....................PC194
Voltage Indicator........................ LED
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
²If 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 ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 205
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