unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert™)in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information. (See page 33 for more
information.)
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour.
9. Oil Pressure Gauge
The pointer should always indicate some oil pres-
sure when the engine is running. A continuous
high or low reading, under normal driving conditions,
may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi-
ate service should be obtained. (See page 353 for more
information.)NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Cargo Lamp
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated from the dimmer control switch,
located next to the headlight switch.
11. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when any
door is opened. When the ignition is ON the
Door Ajar light will stay illuminated until the
open door is closed. When the ignition is OFF
the Door Ajar light will stay illuminated until the open
door is closed or the battery saver feature automatically
turns the light off.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
4
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.16. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle.
Always stow the jack parts and the extra tire and
wheel in the places provided.
7. Install wheel center cap and remove wheel blocks. Do
not install chrome or aluminum wheel center caps on the
spare wheel. This may result in cap damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. If the bottle
jack will not lower by turning the dial (thumb wheel) by
hand, it may be necessary to use the jack drive tube in
order to lower the jack. Stow the replaced tire, jack, and
tools as previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Hub Caps
The hub caps must be removed before raising the vehicle
off the ground.
For 2500/3500 single rear wheel (SRW) models, use the
blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry the cap off.
On 3500 models with dual rear wheels (DRW), you must
first remove the hub caps. The jack handle driver has a
hook at one end that will fit in the pry off notch of the
rear hub caps. Position the hook and pull out on the
ratchet firmly. The cap should pop off. The wheel skins
can now be removed. For the front hub cap on 3500
models use the blade on the end of the lug wrench to pry
the caps off. The wheel skin can now be removed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333
6
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.Change Engine Oil
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Requirements......................282,403
Tank Capacity........................ 403
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling............................... 285
Fuses................................ 389
Garage Door Opener..................... 137
GasCap .............................. 286
Gasoline.............................. 282
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 283
Gauges............................... 169
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 172
Oil Pressure.......................... 167
Speedometer......................... 167
Tachometer.......................... 166
Voltmeter............................ 166
Gear Ranges........................232,238
Glass Cleaning.......................... 388GVWR............................... 293
Hands-Free Phone........................ 83
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 320
Head Restraints......................... 109
Headlights.......................... 117,391
High Beam........................... 120
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 120
Lights On Reminder.................... 118
Passing............................. 120
Switch.............................. 117
Heated Mirrors....................81,214,218
Heated Seats........................... 112
Heater............................... 211
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 120
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 299
Hoisting.............................. 337
Homelink Transmitter.................... 137
INDEX 441
10
Side Airbag............................. 54
Signals, Turn........................... 119
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 278
Snow Plow............................ 305
Snow Tires............................ 280
Spare Tire..........................272,273
Spark Plugs............................ 358
Speed Control.......................... 125
Speedometer........................... 167
Starting............................... 229
Automatic Transmission................. 230
Engine Block Heater.................... 231
Engine Fails to Start.................... 230
Manual Transmission................... 229
Steering
Column Controls...................... 119
Column Lock.......................... 13
Linkage............................. 365
Power...........................259,363Wheel, Tilt........................... 123
Storage, Behind the Seat................... 150
Storage Compartment, Center Seat........... 150
Storage, Vehicle......................... 390
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 390
Sun Roof.............................. 143
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 277
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 356
Tachometer............................ 166
Tailgate............................... 157
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............60,64
Tilt Steering Column..................... 123
Tire and Loading Information Placard....264,265,277
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 263
Tire Markings.......................... 259
Tire Safety Information.................... 259
Tires ...............................71,268
Air Pressure.......................... 268
448 INDEX