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3. Coolant Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the engine
coolant has dropped below the required
level in the reservoir or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high (see the Temperature gauge
section).
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on
level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when the coolant is cold.
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.
4. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing between the Hot and Cold gauge marks show that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, or in heavy stop-and-
go-traffic.
If the pointer rises to the red (Hot) area, stop the vehicle
and turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
5. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is in the ON/RUN position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the tank.
The arrow to the right of the gas pump symbol shows
which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located on.
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Following a completed A or B service your authorized
dealer sets the counter to 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000
km).
NOTE:When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or
more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any
such days not counted by FSS can be added by your
authorized dealer.
The interval between services is determined by the type
of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and cold
starts combined with short distance driving in which the
engine does not reach normal operating temperature,
reduce the interval between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet must
be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
23. Outside Temperature Display
The temperature display is located on the left side of the
instrument cluster, below the fuel and engine tempera-
ture gauges.The sensor for the outside temperature indicator is
located in the front fascia area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during
idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of
the displayed temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not
by comparison to external displays (e.g., bank signs, etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and- go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
WARNING!
The outside temperature indicator is not designed to
serve as an ice-warning device and is unsuitable for
that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface
is free of ice.
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WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly
locked the steering column.
26. Check Engine Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system that monitors the emissions and en-
gine control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, the Check Engine light will come on.
The light comes on and stays on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after the engine
is started. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
refuel.
If the Check Engine light remains on continuously and
the vehicle is driving normally, you may still drive the
vehicle. In most situations, the vehicle will not require
towing. However, we recommend that you have the
system checked at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.If the vehicle is not driving normally, and the Check
Engine light flashes or remains on continuously, it is an
alert to serious conditions that could lead to loss of power
or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should
be serviced at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
27. Brake Wear Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the brake wear indicator
light comes on. The light goes out when the
engine is running.
If the indicator light comes on during braking, this
indicates the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
28. Oil Level Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the oil level indicator
light comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running. If the light does
not go out, or comes on while driving, the engine oil
level has dropped to approximately the minimum
mark on the dipstick.
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position, an ISO oil level icon appears in the trip odom-
eter window and a “clock” icon in the cumulative
odometer display. Pressing the knob to the left of the
speedometer twice within one second displays one of the
following messages:
•OK
•-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
•-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
•-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
•HIThe indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon and
“clock” icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (7.5
liters), this symbol will light and remains lit until
fuel is added.
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NOTE:The dot between the air distribution control
icons is a mix position between the two modes.Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence,
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Defrosting
Set the temperature selectors to the maximum
heating position, set the fan control to position 5,
and the air distribution to the defrost position. Close the
center air outlets. Close the left and right side air outlets.
Turn the defroster outlets for the side windows to the
detent position.
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▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........146
▫Synchronizing ESP....................147
▫ESP Control Switch....................148
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............149
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................152
Power Steering........................152
Ti re s................................153
▫Tire Pressure.........................153
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................154
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................156
▫Tire Spinning........................156
▫Tire Pressure Monitor System.............157
▫Tire Chains..........................158
▫Original Equipment Tires................158
▫Snow Tires..........................159▫Tread Wear Indicators..................160
▫Replacement Tires.....................160
▫Tire Rotation Recommendations...........162
▫Alignment And Balance.................163
Fuel Requirements.....................164
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................164
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............165
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................165
▫Materials Added To Fuel................166
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................166
Adding Fuel..........................166
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............166
Vehicle Loading.......................168
▫Roof Luggage Rack....................168
Trailer Towing........................169
130 STARTING AND OPERATING
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NOTE:Due to the starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
For reliable starting in areas where temperatures fre-
quently drop below -20°F (-29°C), we recommend the use
of an externally powered battery and an electric engine
block heater. Advice on these items and installation is
available at your authorized dealer.
If Engine Fails to Start
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. See Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump-starting procedures.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire, causing
serious personal injury.
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If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Manual Transmission
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline. To place the transmis-
sion in REVERSE, lift up on the shifter knob, push it to
the left and pull it back.
STARTING AND OPERATING 133
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