Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
have it serviced. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
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 all 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,
coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2
7. High Beam Indicator Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low. If the driver's door is open, and the headlights or
parklights are left on, the ªHigh Beam Indicator Lightº
will flash and a chime will sound.
8. Seat Belt Indicator Light
A warning chime and an indicator light will
alert you to buckle the seat belts. When the belt
is buckled, the chime will stop, but the light will
stay on until it times out (about 6 seconds).
9. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
10. Front Axle Lock Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
Indicates when the front axle lock has been
activated.11. Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
Indicates when the rear axle lock has been
activated.
12. 4WD Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is
in the four-wheel drive mode, and the front
and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked
together forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
13. Shift Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows the driver when to shift to the
next higher gear for best fuel economy (4.0L
Only).
14. Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. This gauge does
not indicate oil level, and pressure varies with
engine speed, temperature and oil viscosity. Consis-
tent lower readings indicate possible malfunction.
Seek authorized service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
4
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is in
motion, the red BRAKE warning light will ªflashº and a
chime will sound.
The operation of the BRAKE warning 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 the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
23. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2 U.S.
Gallons (7.6L) this light will come on and remain
on until fuel is added. The ªLow Fuel Warning
Lightº may turn on and off again, especially during
and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns. This
occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
24. Fuel Cap Indicator
This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.25. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank. When
the fuel gauge pointer initially moves to E, for your
safety, approximately 2 U.S. Gallons (7.6L) of fuel remain.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature
gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the time in hours and
minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position and the time button is pressed.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
120 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trip driving 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)
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Trailer towing
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operating with E±85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule ªBº of the ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule ªAº of the ªMain-
tenance Schedulesº section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radia-
tor or coolant bottle is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is
dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.
Check the front of the radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator by gently spraying
water from a garden hose at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule ªB.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
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, add as required.
Once a Month
²
Check 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
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect manual transmission fluid level Ð if
equipped.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 263
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Coolant Level........................ 241
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 240
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 239
Inspection........................... 239
Points to Remember................... 242
Pressure Cap........................ 241
Selection of Coolant................240,258
Temperature Gauge.................... 118
Corrosion Protection.................... 248
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 234
Cruise Control.......................... 60
Cruise Light........................... 116
Cup Holder............................ 64
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 58
Dealer Service......................... 227
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 154
Defroster, Windshield.................151,153
Delay Wipers........................... 58
Deploying, Airbag....................... 27
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 225
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 57Dipsticks
Oil (Engine)......................... 228
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 219
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 231
Used Coolant........................ 240
Door Locks............................ 15
Doors................................ 15
Drive Belts............................ 231
Driving.............................. 181
Off-Pavement........................ 181
Off-Road........................... 181
On Hills............................ 182
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 181
When to Use Low Range............... 181
Dual Top.............................. 66
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 63
Electrical Power Outlets................... 63
Electronic Speed Control.................. 60
Emergency Brake....................... 175
Emergency, In Case of
Brake Warning Light................... 119
290 INDEX