Page 176 of 286

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lockthedoorswiththekeyorthe
remote transmitter.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. They may catch f ire
because of the extreme heat of the
three-way catalytic converter.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
175
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Page 177 of 286

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes. A power assist helps reduce
the ef f ort needed on the brake pedal.
The ABS helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, builds up heat,
increases wear and reduces their
ef f ectiveness. It also keeps your
brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear. If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
Brake Wear Indicators Braking System Design
176
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Page 187 of 286

When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
trailer maker.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ). The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below. Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use D position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D is
the proper shif t lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See ‘‘ ’’ in the next
column f or additional gear
inf ormation.)
182 183 220
3
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Towing a Trailer
T owing Speeds and Gears
Driving on Hills
186
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Page 190 of 286

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .190
.................
Maintenance Schedule .191
............
Servicing Your Vehicle .192
Owner’s Maintenance
...................................
Checks .193
...................
Normal Conditions .194
.....................
Severe Conditions .195
....................
Maintenance Record .196
..............................
Fluid Locations .200
........................
Adding Engine Oil .201
.......
Recommended Engine Oil .201
..............................
Synthetic Oil .202
................
Engine Oil Additives .202
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .203
....................
Windshield Washers .205
..............................
Engine Coolant .206
.......................
Transmission Fluid .208
....................................
Brake Fluid .209
....................................
Timing Belt .209
.............................................
Lights .210
.......................................
Seat Belts .216
........................
Driver’s Floor Mat .216
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .216
.................................
Wiper Blades .217
...............................................
Tires .219
..................
Inf lation Guidelines .219 .
Recommended Tire Pressure .220
..........................
Tire Inspection .221
.....................
Tire Maintenance .221
.............................
Tire Rotation .222
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels .222
......................
Wheels and Tires .223
..........................
Winter Driving .223
.............................
Snow Tires .223
............................
Tire Chains .224
...................
Checking the Battery .225
.............................
Vehicle Storage .226
275
Maintenance
Maint enance
189
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Page 194 of 286
µµ µ
µ
µ
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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
155
156
208 209 209
219
Maintenance Schedule
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
193
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Page 196 of 286

Ì
Î
Î
Î
Î
Ì
Ì
Î
Î
Î
ÌÎ
195
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 15
2430
4845
72 75
120 135
216
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Inspect every 165,000 miles (264,000 km)
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or every 7 years, whichever comes first
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)60
96
90
144 105
168120
192 150
240
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
U.S. only
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page222)
Check front and rear brakes
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Check expiration date for IMS bottle
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
:
1:
2:
3:
4: 192
216
209
1
2
3
4
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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Page 216 of 286
Open the trunk and remove the
socket f rom the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb and reinstall
the socket.
Caref ully bend back the corner of
the trunk lid trim to expose the
bulbs.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise,
and pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Install a new bulb into the socket,
and reinstall the socket into the
light assembly.
Test the lights.
Push the trunk lid trim back into
position.
Press the trim clips back into their
holes.1.
3.
2.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
3. Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
215
BULBSSOCKETS
BULBS
SOCKETS
SOCKET
BULB
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Page 228 of 286

Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
If you store your vehicle f or 1 year or
longer, have your dealer perf orm the
inspections called f or in the 2 years/
30,000 miles (48,000 km)
maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page ). The
replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage.
Reconnect the 12 volt battery and
drive your vehicle every month f or
about 30 minutes. This will keep
the IMA battery charged and in
good condition.
Disconnect the 12 volt battery. 194
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
227
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