
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to
the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The manufacturer's warranty will apply to vehicles used
to tow trailers for noncommercial use, however the
following conditions must be met:
²The ªDº Overdrive range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs move the
shift lever to the next lower position to eliminate
excessive automatic transmission shifting. This action
will also reduce the possibility of transmission over-
heating and provide better engine braking. Refer to
ªTransmission Shiftingº in this section for additional
information.
²A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
²Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule ªBº for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
5

Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
7

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light shows system failureBe sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level
should be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
244 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 level 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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Ð Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer's recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... 177
Add-A-Trunk........................... 65
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 155
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 234
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 235
Air Conditioning....................... 151
Air Conditioning Controls................ 152
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 154
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 236
Air Filter............................. 234
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 192
Airbag................................ 22
Airbag Deployment...................... 27
Airbag Light........................29,118
Airbag Maintenance...................... 29
Airbag On/Off Switch.................... 26
Alignment and Balance.................. 195
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 147
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 258
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 179
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 119
Appearance Care....................... 248Ashtray............................... 62
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 62
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 46
Automatic Transmission...............165,245
Adding Fluid........................ 246
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Fluid Type.......................... 245
Gear Ranges......................... 166
Shifting............................ 165
Special Additives..................... 246
Torque Converter..................... 170
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet................. 63
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 63
Battery............................... 234
Emergency Starting.................... 216
Voltmeter........................... 116
Belts, Drive........................... 231
Belts, Seat............................. 17
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 237
Brake System.......................... 243
Anti-Lock........................... 179
288 INDEX

Hoses.............................. 243
Master Cylinder...................... 244
Parking............................ 175
Warning Light....................... 119
Brakes............................... 177
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 166
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 39
Bulb Replacement...................... 257
Calibration, Compass..................... 47
Capacities, Fluid....................... 258
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 200
Power Steering....................... 236
Car Washes........................... 249
Carpeting............................. 252
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 148
Cassette Tape Player.........126,130,132,140,142
Catalytic Converter..................... 232
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 40
CD Changer........................133,138
CD Player......................128,135,137
CD Player Maintenance.................. 149Cellular Phone......................... 149
Chains, Tire........................... 196
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 213
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 185
Check Engine Light..................... 118
Child Restraint.....................29,33,36
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 33
Cigar Lighter........................... 62
Climate Control........................ 149
Clock................................ 120
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System......160,165
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 149
Compact Disc Player.................... 140
Compass.............................. 46
Compass Calibration..................... 47
Compass Variance....................... 48
Console............................... 65
Console, Floor.......................... 65
Contract, Service....................... 282
Converter, Catalytic..................... 232
Cooling System........................ 239
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 241
Coolant Capacity..................... 258
INDEX 289
10