the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as
specified on the vehicle placard.
6. 4LO Mode Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4 LO four±wheel drive mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
7. Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are on.
8. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD II which monitors engine and auto-
matic transmission control systems. This light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON positionbefore engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the ignition key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such has a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº may flash to alert of 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.
9. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) Ð If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
152 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing METHANOL.
Gasoline containing methanol may damage critical
fuel system components.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.It is even more important to look for gasoline without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels
higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro-
hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
Sulfur In Gasoline
If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with clean burning, low sulfur, California
gasoline. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted
to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the perfor-
mance of the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause
the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº to illuminate.
Illumination of this light while operating on high sulfur
gasoline does not necessarily mean your emission control
system is malfunctioning. The manufacturer recom-
mends that you try a different brand of unleaded gaso-
line having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is
fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer for service.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and, once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are
mounted in the front and the rear.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle. Tow straps are recommended
when towing the vehicle, chains may cause vehicle
damage.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps and chains may break, causing
serious injury.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
The manufacturer recommends towing with all four
wheels off the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the other end on a towing dolly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 281
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine...........................285
m3.7L Engine...........................286
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........287
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................288
mReplacement Parts......................289
mDealer Service.........................289
mMaintenance Procedures..................290
NEngine Oil..........................290NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 294
NSpark Plugs.........................295
NCatalytic Converter....................295
NEngine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine.........297
NIgnition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine......297
NCrankcase Emission Control System........297
NAir Cleaner Filter.....................297
NMaintenance-Free Battery................298
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............299
7
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informationº label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter 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
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7
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 suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
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 the 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.
²Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
²Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Catalytic Converter...................... 295
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 68
CD Changer......................164,171,182
CD Player...............167,169,174,180,183,186
CD Player Maintenance................... 197
Cellular Phone........................78,198
Chains, Tire............................ 257
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 274
Charging System Light.................... 153
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 241
Child Restraint......................58,63,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............62,63
Child Safety Locks........................ 22
Cigar Lighter........................... 135
Climate Control......................... 198
Clock................................ 158
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System........210,215
Command-Trac Operation.................. 222
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 197Compass.............................. 122
Compass Calibration..................... 122
Compass Variance....................... 123
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 120
Console, Overhead....................... 110
Contract, Service........................ 350
Converter, Catalytic...................... 295
Cooling System......................... 303
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 305
Coolant Capacity...................... 326
Coolant Level......................... 306
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 304
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 303
Inspection........................... 303
Points to Remember.................... 306
Pressure Cap......................... 305
Radiator Cap......................... 305
Selection of Coolant..................304,326
Temperature Gauge..................... 153
360 INDEX