Page 203 of 264

the vehicle is not going to be driven in the next 3
weeks, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual, then disconnect the battery at the
negative terminal or use the save feature described in
Maintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
•Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some“learned”functions,
unless using the Battery Save feature described inMaintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery. The engine may run rough when first
started after a battery disconnect until the control
module“relearns”these functions.
Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7
Page 242 of 264

WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
242 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 253 of 264

Distribution Center..................... 197
Steering..........................121,178
Windows............................. 24
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 33
Programming Transmitters.................. 18
Radial Ply Tires......................... 134
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 185
Radio Antenna......................... 103
Radio Broadcast Signals.................... 94
Radio Operation........................ 103
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 95
Rear Axle............................. 193
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 194
Rearview Mirrors........................ 67
Reclining Front Seats...................... 71
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 213
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 142Refrigerant............................ 177
Reminder, Lights On...................... 76
Reminder, Seat Belt.....................31,89
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 15
Replacement Parts....................... 163
Replacement Tires....................... 137
Reporting Safety Defects................... 239
Restraints, Child......................... 34
Restraints, Infant......................... 34
Restraints, Occupant...................... 26
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 155
Rotation, Tires.......................... 141
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 51
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 52
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 239
Safety Information, Tire................... 122
Safety Tips............................. 51
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 218
INDEX 253
10
Page 256 of 264

Disabled Vehicle....................... 155
Trailering............................ 146
Traction.............................. 154
Trailer Towing.......................... 146
Transmission........................... 193
Fluid............................... 214
Shifting.......................... 114,115
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 19
Transmitter Programming................... 18
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry..........15,19
Transporting Pets........................ 50
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 137
Trip Odometer Reset Button................. 86
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 24
Turn Signals..........................77,87
Underbody Maintenance.................. 196
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 241
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 142Upholstery Care........................ 194
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................127,146
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 202
Vehicle Theft Alarm....................... 20
Ventilation System....................... 104
Vinyl Trim............................. 194
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................166,212
Voltmeter.............................. 93
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 148
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 237
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 182
Washers, Windshield.................81,82,182
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 138
Wheel Bearings......................... 194
256 INDEX