•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
•For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
•Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow
this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps
to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin,
flush contaminated area immediately with large quan-
tities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent
holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
310 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............335
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............336
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........337
▫Steering Shaft Seal....................337
▫Steering Linkage......................337
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............337
▫Body Lubrication.....................338
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................338
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....339
▫Exhaust System......................339
▫Cooling System.......................340
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......345
▫Brakes.............................346▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check.........................347
▫Fuel System Hoses....................349
▫Automatic Transmission................349
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....352
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........354
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................354
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 358
Integrated Power Module (IPM)............359
Vehicle Storage........................362
Replacement Light Bulbs.................363
Bulb Replacement......................364
▫Standard Quad Headlights...............364
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transmissions are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the dipstick hole in the case.
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator, lower
right side.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
7
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked“HOT”(between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked“COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid 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.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped
Under normal operating conditions, periodic fluid level
checks and lubricant changes for the Power Transfer
Unit, Overrunning Clutch and Rear Carrier, are not
required. However when the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons, the exterior surface of these components should
be inspected for evidence of fluid leaks. Confirmed leaks
should be repaired as soon as possible.
Power Transfer Unit
The fill plug is located on the side of the power transfer
unit housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level
even with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface. If it becomes neces-
sary to add or replace the fluid, use only the manufac-
turers recommended fluid, refer to Recommended Flu-
ids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Overrunning Clutch
The fill plug is located on the side of the overrunning
clutch housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level
even with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface. If it becomes neces-
sary to add or replace the fluid, use only the manufac-
turers recommended transmission fluid, refer to Recom-
mended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type. To assure performance, it is important that the
proper lubricant be used.
Rear Carrier
The fill plug is located on the side of the rear carrier
housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level even
with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the vehicle is
parked on a level surface. if it becomes necessary to add
or replace the fluid, use only the manufacturers recom-
mended fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Changes
The fluid should be changed as follows:
Normal UsageNo Service Required
Severe Usage
Power Transfer Unit Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Overrunning Clutch Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Rear Carrier Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
1. More than 50% of vehicle operation in stop and go
traffic where vehicle is driven regularly for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, such as in heavy city or
in construction zone traffic,
2. Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
7