Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
TIRES
Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they
must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.
Glossary of tire terminology
²Tire label:A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle
can carry.
²Tire Identification Number (TIN):A number on the sidewall of
each tire providing information about the tire brand and
manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
²Inflation pressure:A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
²Standard load:A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing
the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires
load carrying capability.
²Extra load:A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tires load carrying capability.
²kPa:Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
Maintenance and Specifications
233
Note:You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for ªLTº type
tires
ªLTº type tires have some additional
information than those of ªPº type
tires; these differences are
described below:
1.LT:Indicates a tire, designated
by the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that is intended for
service on light trucks.
2.Load Range/Load Inflation
Limits:Indicates the tires
load-carrying capabilities and its
inflation limits.
3.Maximum Load Dual kg
(lbs.) at kPa (psi) cold:
Indicates the maximum load and
tire pressure when the tire is
used as a dual; a dual is defined as when four tires are put on the
rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).
4.Maximum Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) cold:Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single; a
single is defined as when two tires (total) are put on the rear axle.
Maintenance and Specifications
237
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire
performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
NOTE:If you are driving the vehicle at its maximum weight load, make
sure the tire inflation pressure is correct for the weight load on the tires.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire
failures and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation
or(blowout(, with unexpected loss of vehicle control and
increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall
flexing and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and
internal damage to the tire. It also may result in unnecessary
tire stress, irregular wear, loss of vehicle control and accidents.
A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to
be flat!
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10 degree temperature change causes a corresponding drop of
7 kPa (1 psi) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently
and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found on the tire
label or certification label.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more than 1.6
km [1mile]), never ªbleedº or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from
driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above recommended
cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation
pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving
even a mile.
Note:If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check
and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure
when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air
pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never ªbleedº or reduce air
pressure when tires are hot.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire
gauge onto the valve.
3. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
Note:If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in
the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
Maintenance and Specifications
239
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
²Observe posted speed limits
²Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
²Avoid potholes and objects on the road
²Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING: Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or
property damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly
ahead or behind the spinning tire.
WARNING: Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35
mph) point indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there's always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
NOTE:Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specification as those originally installed.
Maintenance and Specifications
243
CELL PHONES
Use of cell phones and other devices by driver:
WARNING: Use of any electrical devices such as cell phones,
computers, portable radios, vehicle navigation or other devices
by the driver while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. Dialing a
number on a cell phone while driving also ties-up the driver's
hands. Use of these devices will cause the driver to be
distracted and could lead to a serious accident. If a passenger is
unable to use the device, pull off the right-of-way to a safe area
before use. If use of a cell phone is necessary despite this
warning, use a hands-free system to at least allow the hands
free to drive the vehicle. Never use a cell phone or other
electrical device while the vehicle is moving and, instead,
concentrate on the full-time job of driving.
In addition, the gasoline distributors are warning against using
cell phones during refueling procedures, due to their increased
concern about static electricity fires in the self-service pump
environment.
Accessories
Accessories
250
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................126
Accessory delay ..........................62
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................100±101, 105
and child safety seats ............102
description ......................101, 105
disposal ............................105, 109
driver air bag ..................103, 108
indicator light .................104, 109
operation .........................103, 108
passenger air bag ...........103, 108
side air bag ..............................105
Air cleaner filter .......................231
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................138
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................212
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................126±127
Anti-theft system ........................78
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..79
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 27
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................132
fluid, adding ............................228
fluid, checking ........................228
Automatic transmission ............129
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Auxiliary power point .................60Axle
refill capacities ........................244
B
Battery .......................................210
acid, treating emergencies .....210
jumping a disabled battery ....171
maintenance-free ....................210
servicing ..................................210
Brakes ........................................125
anti-lock ...........................126±127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .................246
lubricant specifications ..........246
parking ....................................127
shift interlock ..........................129
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Calculating load ........................151
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cargo area shade ........................68
CD-single .....................................17
Cell phone warning ...................250
Certification Label ....................248
Child safety restraints ..............110
child safety belts ....................110
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether straps ..117
Cigar lighter
Power Point ........................60±61
Index
Index
251
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........121
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................49
daytime running light ...............48
fog lamps ...................................48
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....49
interior lamps .....................50±51
replacing bulbs ....... 51±52, 54±55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Liftgate ........................................68
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........126
Load limits .................................148
Loading instructions .................151
Locks
childproof ..................................71
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...........246
Luggage rack ...............................69
Lumbar support, seats .........81±82
M
Manual transaxle .......................135
fluid, checking and adding ....230
reverse .....................................136
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................244Mirrors ...................................60, 62
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................63
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................67
Motorcraft parts ........................221
O
Octane rating ............................219
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................206
Overdrive ...................................131
Overheating ...............................164
P
Parking .......................................137
Parking brake ............................127
Passive anti-theft system
(PATS) .........................................75
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................161
Power door locks ........................70
Power Point
Cigar lighter ........................60±61
Power Seats .................................82
Power steering ..........................128
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacity ................244
fluid, specifications .................246
Power Windows ...........................61
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................129
R
Radio ......................................17, 27
Index
254
Radio reception .....................42±43
Rear window defroster ...............47
Relays ........................................158
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system ......................73
illuminated entry ......................74
locking/unlocking doors ...........70
replacing the batteries .............73
Roof rack .....................................69
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............99
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........90±95
Safety defects, reporting ..........189
Safety restraints ....................90±95
extension assembly ..................96
for adults .............................91±94
for children .............................110
lap belt ......................................97
safety belt maintenance ...........99
warning light and chime ....97±98
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............90
Seats ............................................80
child safety seats ....................113
heated ........................................83
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................75
Servicing your vehicle ..............201
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........165
Spark plugs, specifications .......247Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............5
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................246
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle ........121±123
jump starting ..........................171
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................58
Tires ...................................232±233
alignment ................................240
care ..........................................238
changing ..................165±166, 171
checking the pressure ............238
label .........................................238
rotating ....................................240
safety practices .......................243
sidewall information ...............234
snow tires and chains ............243
spare tire .................................165
terminology .............................233
tire grades ...............................233
treadwear ........................232, 242
Towing .......................................151
recreational towing .................156
trailer towing ..........................151
wrecker ....................................177
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................230
manual operation ....................135
Transmission
automatic operation ...............129
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....129
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................228
Index
255