the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.At normal operating temperature (approximately 180É F
(82É C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70É F (21É
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Fluid Level Check ± 4.7L Engines (5±45RFE)
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF (82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
7
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule ªB.º
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in ªMaintenance Schedule B.º
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule ªB.º
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
²Check 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, add as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 297
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Once a Month
²Check the 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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
²After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
298 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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S
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 171
Adjustable Pedals........................ 84
Air Cleaner, Engine...................... 264
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 265
Air Conditioning........................ 164
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 266
Air Conditioning System.................. 164
Air Filter.............................. 264
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 212
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................... 42
Airbag Light.......................44,52,129
Airbag Maintenance....................... 43
Alarm................................ 23
Alarm, Panic............................ 21
Alarm System........................... 23
Alignment and Balance................... 217
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 155Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 291
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 197
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 133
Anti-Theft System........................ 23
Appearance Care........................ 281
Arming Theft System...................... 23
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 60
Automatic Door Locks..................... 19
Automatic Headlights..................... 77
Automatic Temperature Control............. 167
Automatic Transmission................179,277
Adding Fluid......................278,279
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 277
Fluid Level Check...................277,278
Fluid Type........................... 277
Gear Ranges.......................... 181
Overdrive........................... 182
Shifting............................. 179
Special Additives...................... 280
328 INDEX
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 162
Cassette Tape Player...................143,147
Catalytic Converter...................... 261
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 51
CD Changer......................140,150,156
CD Player....................136,139,143,149
CD Player Maintenance................... 163
Cellular Phone.......................... 164
Center Lap Belts......................... 33
Chains, Tire............................ 220
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 204
Check Engine Light...................... 130
Checks, Safety.........................52,53
Child Restraint.......................... 44
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 47
Child Safety Locks........................ 18
Climate Control......................... 164
Clock................................ 135
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 163Compact Spare Tire...................... 241
Compass...........................101,104
Compass Calibration..................... 104
Compass Variance....................... 105
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 101
Console, Overhead....................... 89
Contract, Service........................ 320
Converter, Catalytic...................... 261
Cooling System......................... 269
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 271
Coolant Capacity...................... 291
Coolant Level......................... 272
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 270
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 270
Inspection........................... 269
Points to Remember.................... 273
Pressure Cap......................... 272
Radiator Cap......................... 272
Selection of Coolant..................270,291
330 INDEX
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 264
Engine Fuel.......................... 263
Finish Care............................ 282
Flashers.............................. 236
Hazard Warning....................... 236
Turn Signal.......................... 129
Flat Tire Changing....................... 240
Flipper Glass, Tailgate..................... 15
Flooded Engine Starting................... 177
Fluid Capacities......................... 291
Fluid Leaks............................. 53
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission...............277,278
Engine Oil........................... 256
Power Steering........................ 266
Fog Lights............................. 79
Four Wheel Drive
Operation........................... 186Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 236
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 186
Front Axle............................. 281
Fuel................................. 221
Filler Cap............................ 224
Filler Door........................... 224
Filter............................... 263
Gasoline............................ 221
Gauge.............................. 133
Light............................... 134
Materials Added....................... 224
Octane Rating........................ 221
Requirements......................... 291
Tank Capacity........................ 291
Fuel System Caution..................... 225
Fuses................................ 286
Garage Door Opener..................... 106
GasCap .............................. 224
INDEX 333
10
Instrument Cluster....................... 127
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 126
Interior Appearance Care.................. 284
Interior Fuses.......................... 286
Interior Lighting......................... 75
Interior Lights.........................75,78
Intermittent Wipers....................... 81
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 238
Jack Operation.......................... 242
Jacking Instructions...................... 242
Jump Starting.......................... 246
Key, Programming........................ 14
Key, Replacement........................ 13
Key, Sentry............................. 12
Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System...................... 20Keys.................................. 11
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 129
Lap Belts.............................. 33
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 27
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 47
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 221
Leaks, Fluid............................ 53
Liftgate Flipper Glass...................... 15
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer............. 170
Lights...............................53,75
Airbag............................44,129
Alarm............................... 52
Anti-Lock........................... 133
Automatic Headlights.................... 77
Battery Saver.......................... 76
Brake Warning........................ 134
Cargo .............................. 118
Check Engine......................... 130
INDEX 335
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