Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic 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 tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of 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,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
2. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, it means that there is a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
3. Deck Lid Ajar
This light comes on if the deck lid is not
completely closed.4. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7. (See page 257 for more information.)
5. Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
4
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the
driver’s side“B”pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the“B”pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the“Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information”section of this manual.
Tire Placard Location
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277
7
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:
•Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Center Console Floor Lamp................. T37
Climate Controls......................6233137
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Cruise Indicator....................... VFD*
Deck Lid Ajar Indicator................... LED
Dome Light (Sport Bar Lights)..............T904
Door Ajar Indicator..................... VFD*
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................... 74
Instrument Cluster Illumination.............. 74
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror).....T192
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
•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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
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 transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
308 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 198
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 274
Adding Fuel........................... 225
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 100
Additives, Fuel......................... 223
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 264
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 267
Air Conditioning Controls................. 169
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 174
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............267,268
Air Conditioning System................169,267
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 211
Airbag................................ 40
Airbag Deployment....................... 46
Airbag Light.....................44,48,58,132
Airbag Maintenance....................... 48
Airbag, Side............................ 46
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm System........................25,127Alignment and Balance................... 218
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........273,302,303
Capacities........................... 302
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 198
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 129
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 25
Appearance Care........................ 284
Auto Down Power Windows................ 29
Automatic Door Locks..................... 20
Automatic Transaxle..............12,182,185,280
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 283
Fluid Level Check...................... 281
Interlock System.....................18,186
Reset Mode.......................... 187
Selection Of Lubricant................... 280
Shifting............................. 187
Special Additives...................... 283
Autostick...........................134,190
340 INDEX
Back-Up Lights......................... 301
Ball Joints............................. 268
Battery............................... 265
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Belts, Drive............................ 261
Belts, Engine........................... 264
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 269
Boot, Convertible Top...................68,72
B-Pillar Location........................ 206
Brake Fluid............................ 304
Brake, Parking.......................... 195
Brake System........................197,278
Anti-Lock........................... 198
Hoses.............................. 278
Master Cylinder....................... 279
Parking............................. 195
Warning Light........................ 130
Brakes.............................197,278
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 186Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 56
Bulb Replacement.....................297,299
Bulbs, Light............................ 297
Calibration, Compass...................... 78
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 302
Capacities, Fluid........................ 302
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 225
Oil (Engine)....................252,253,260
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 275
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 224
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 167
Cassette Tape Player................136,146,149
Catalytic Converter...................... 262
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 57
CD Changer......................145,151,157
CD Player..................142,153,155,159,162
CD Player Maintenance................... 168
INDEX 341
10