WARNING!• Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’ s safety
or the safety of others. All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system. STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5
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.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to Tire Placard Location STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs. Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited
tread life. When two or more tread wear indicators
appear in adjacent grooves, the temporary use spare
tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to follow the
warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.320 STARTING AND OPERATING
CHECK TPM SYSTEM
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system requires
service.
See your authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant or balance beads if your vehicle
is equipped with TPM system as damage to the
sensors may result. NOTE:
• The TPM system can inform the driver of a low tire
pressure condition of 28 psi [1.9 bars] (193 kPa) or less,
or high a tire pressure condition of 48 psi [3.3 bars]
(330 kPa) or more.
• The TPM system is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPM system should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
CAUTION!After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt entry into the valve stem, which
could damage the wheel rim sensor.326 STARTING AND OPERATING
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration. The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States ..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “ Class S ” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE: Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire. STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h). TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “ Maintenance Schedules ”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed. STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW), but no more than 15% of GTW.
Towing Requirements
• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
40 square feet (3.72 square meters).
• The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire –
Safety Information Section in this manual.
• The “ D ” range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “ 3 ”
range must be selected. NOTE: Using the “ 3 ” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
• 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 transaxle 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 transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, the belts must be adjusted according to the
specifications and procedures described in the Service
Manual. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure. A special tool is required to properly measure
tension and to restore belt tension to factory specifica-
tions.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the “ Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion ” label in the engine compartment.
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 ” .384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE