•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
▫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
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
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder and transmission, add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
374 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Selection Of Lubricant................349,370
Shifting............................. 253
Special Additives...................... 352
Automatic Transmission................... 349
Adding Fluid......................... 350
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 351
Fluid Change......................... 351
Fluid Level Check...................... 350
Fluid Type........................... 349
Autostick........................135,253,254
Ball Joints............................. 337
Battery............................... 333
Gas Caution.......................... 334
Jump Starting......................... 309
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Bearings.............................. 354
Belts, Drive............................ 330
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 338B-Pillar Location........................ 268
Brake, Parking.......................... 256
Brake System........................258,346
Anti-Lock........................... 258
Fluid Check.......................347,370
Hoses.............................. 346
Warning Light........................ 167
Brakes.............................258,346
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 251
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 67
Bulb Replacement....................... 364
Bulbs, Light............................ 363
Calibration, Compass..................... 180
Capacities, Fluid........................ 368
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 290
Oil (Engine).......................328,329
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 343
INDEX 405
10
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 331
Air Conditioning....................243,336
Automatic Transaxle.................... 351
Engine Fuel.......................... 332
Engine Oil........................330,369
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 330
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 300
Turn Signal.....................166,366,367
Floor Console.......................... 151
Fluid Capacities......................... 368
Fluid Leaks............................. 69
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 350
Brake............................347,370
Power Steering.....................336,370
Fluids................................ 369
Fog Light Service........................ 366Fog Lights.......................124,171,366
Folding Rear Seat........................ 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 312
Fuel................................. 287
Adding............................. 290
Additives............................ 289
Clean Air............................ 287
Filler Cap............................ 290
Filter............................... 332
Gasoline............................ 287
Gauge.............................. 166
Hoses.............................. 349
Octane Rating......................287,369
Requirements......................287,368
Tank Capacity........................ 368
Fuel System Caution..................... 289
Fueling............................... 290
Fuses................................ 359
INDEX 409
10