Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule“A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule“B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
7
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a
valve is not working properly, replace it with a new
valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV
VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below34°F(37°C) are anticipated.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
CAUTION!
Be sure to use only the cooling system pressure cap
specified for your vehicle. Use of any other pressure
cap may result in decreased engine cooling system
performance and/or damage to your vehicle.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 65
Daytime Running Lights.................. 67
Dealer Service......................... 205
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 136
Defroster, Windshield...............49,130,135
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 203
Dimmer Control........................ 64
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 68
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 223
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 74
Drive Belts............................ 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 195
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 81Electronic Speed Control.................. 71
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 196
Jacking............................. 187
Jump Starting........................ 192
Overheating......................... 186
Towing............................. 196
Emergency Trunk Release...............24,25
Emission Control System Maintenance....204,246
Engine............................201,202
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 211
Block Heater......................... 146
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 206
Compartment.....................201,202
Coolant (Antifreeze)................220,244
Cooling............................ 220
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 177
Fails to Start......................... 146
Fuel Requirements.................174,243
Oil ..........................206,243,244
Oil Change Interval................... 207
Oil Selection......................208,243
INDEX 281
10
Oil Synthetic......................... 209
Overheating......................... 186
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter . . 246
Timing Belt.......................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 243
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution...............48,177,219
Exhaust System........................ 219
Exterior Light Service.................... 237
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 211
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Engine Fuel......................... 211
Engine Oil.......................210,244
Engine Oil Disposal................... 210
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 186
Turn Signal.......................... 91
Flash-To-Pass........................... 68
Flat Tire Changing...................... 187
Flexible Fuel Vehicles.................... 181
Cruising Range....................... 184Engine Oil.......................182,209
Fuel Requirements.................... 182
Maintenance......................... 184
Replacement Parts.................... 184
Starting............................ 184
Floor Console.......................... 54
Fluid, Brake........................... 244
Fluid Capacities........................ 243
Fluid Leaks............................ 49
Fluid Level Checks...................... 228
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Capacities........................... 243
Cooling System....................... 220
Engine Oil.......................... 206
Power Steering....................... 215
Fluids............................... 244
Fog Light Service....................... 240
Fog Lights........................67,92,240
Folding Rear Seat....................... 62
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 196
Fuel................................. 174
Adding............................. 178
Additives........................... 176
282 INDEX
Overdrive............................ 150
Overheating, Engine..................... 186
Owner’s Manual......................4,272
Paint Care............................ 229
Paint Damage......................... 229
Panic Alarm........................... 21
Parking Brake......................... 151
Parking On Hill........................ 152
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter.... 246
Passing Light........................... 68
Pets.................................. 47
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 160
Power
Brakes............................. 153
Door Locks.......................... 16
Outlet.............................. 81
Seats............................... 60
Steering............................ 155
Steering, Checking.................... 215
Sunroof............................. 79
Windows............................ 25
Power Steering Fluid.................... 244Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 33
Preparation for Jacking................... 188
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 31
Programmable Electronic Features.........75,78
Programming Transmitters............21,75,78
Radial Ply Tires........................ 167
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 222
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 100
Radio Operation...............109,114,123,126
Radio Remote Controls.................. 122
Radio (Sound Systems).............101,109,114
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 62
Rear Window Defroster.................. 136
Rearview Mirrors........................ 56
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 244
Reformulated Gasoline................... 175
Refrigerant............................ 215
Reminder, Lights On..................... 67
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 32
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 19
INDEX 287
10