Page 196 of 291

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to“rock”the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. If a flat
bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used.
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type towing equipment. Damage to
the fascia and air dam may result.
196 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 212 of 291

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
Page 281 of 291

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
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Page 282 of 291

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
Page 287 of 291

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