light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as three
seconds.
If the light comes back on immediately or comes on
during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of
the brake system is not functioning and that service is
required, however, the conventional brake system will
continue to operate normally provided that the BRAKE
warning light is not on. Also, a chime will sound if the
light comes back on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The operation of the ABS light can be checked by turning
the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off unless theparking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
10. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on for three
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If the light
comes back on immediately or comes on while driving, it
means that there is a problem with the charging system
or the battery is low. Also, a chime will sound if the light
comes back on. See your authorized dealer immediately.
11. Temperature Gage
Indicates engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing within the normal range indicates that the
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gage pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
(above center scale) when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 153
4
Window Fogging
In mild but rainy or humid weather, windows will fog on
the inside. To rapidly clear the fog off all the windows,
select the defrost mode, turn the temperature control
knob fully clockwise, and position the blower control to
its highest speed. Once the windshield has been cleared,
adjust the controls for your comfort.
On air conditioned vehicles, the compressor will operate
when in the Mix or Defrost modes and when the outside
temperature is approximately 30ÉF (-1ÉC) to provide
additional defrost/defog.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality anti-freeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration is recommended.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A rotary ring switch on the control lever, located on the
right side of the steering column, controls operation of
the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating the center of
the switch up to the DEL (Delay) position or the ON
position will activate the wiper. Rotating the switch ring
beyond the ON or OFF position will activate the rear
washer. The wash pump will continue to operate as long
as the lever or ring is engaged. Upon release, the wipers
will cycle three times before returning to the set position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
4
Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
²The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles (1.6±4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pressing the ªO/D
OFFº switch will show that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water
should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed
70%) if temperatures below -37ÉF (-38ÉC) 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.
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.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
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 bottle.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
7
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. The coolant level must be at or above the COLD
FULL level on the bottle. The radiator normally remains
completely full, so there is no need to remove the radiator
cap unless checking for coolant freeze point or replacing
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
306 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
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 153
Fuel................................ 157
Odometer........................... 154
Speedometer......................... 151
Tachometer.......................... 151
Gear Ranges........................215,217
General Information...................... 256
Glass Cleaning.......................... 318
Glove Compartment...................... 135
Hands-Free Phone........................ 78
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 272
Head Restraints.......................... 92
Head Rests............................. 92
Headlights............................ 101
High Beam........................... 151
Lights On Reminder.................... 102
Passing............................. 101Switch.............................. 101
Heated Mirrors.......................... 78
Heated Seats............................ 97
Heater............................... 198
Heater, Engine Block..................... 212
Holder, Cup........................... 136
Homelink Transmitter.................... 125
Hood Release........................... 97
Hoses................................ 307
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 313
Identifying Your Engine................285,286
Ignition
Key ................................. 12
Wiring System........................ 297
Illuminated Entry........................ 17
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 249
Information Center, Vehicle................. 112
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 75
364 INDEX
Steering
Power.............................. 300
Wheel Lock........................... 17
Wheel, Tilt........................... 107
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 194
Storage............................... 324
Storage, Vehicle......................... 324
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 324
Sun Roof.............................. 130
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 132
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 46
Swing Gate, Rear......................... 29
Tachometer............................ 151
Tape Player............................ 178
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 153
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 62
Theft System Arming...................... 28Theft System Disarming.................... 28
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 138
Tilt Steering Column..................... 107
Timing Belt............................ 297
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 244
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 243
Tire Markings.......................... 239
Tire Safety Information.................... 239
Tires ................................. 248
Air Pressure.......................... 249
Alignment and Balance.................. 253
Chains.............................. 257
Changing.........................274,275
Flat Changing........................ 274
General Information.................... 248
High Speed.......................... 250
Inflation Pressures..................... 249
Jacking............................. 276
Load Capacity.....................244,245
372 INDEX