Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or Neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights, and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or do not come on at
all, the battery is discharged. See on page .
Store the wheel cover or center
cap in the trunk. Make sure it does
not get scratched or damaged.
Check these things:
21.
253
CONT INUED
If the Engine Won’t StartNothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
Changing a Flat Tire, If the Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
251
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereis
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit f or the
ignition switch or starter motor.
You will need a qualif ied
technician to determine the
problem (see
on page ).In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ). Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery connections (see page
). You can then try jump
starting the vehicle from a booster
battery (see page ). 265
263 175
77 263
242 253
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing
252
Using gloves or large heavy cloth,
turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
7. 6.
8.
9.10.
11.
263
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
257
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
outwithin10seconds,turnoff the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
).
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible and you should
take immediate action. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ). Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers. Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
1.
2.
3. 4.
263
165 212 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
258
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
If the indicator remains on or the
f uel cap was not loose or missing,
have the vehicle checked by the
dealer as soon as possible.If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes at least
three days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
or replace it. Tightening the cap will
not make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes at least three
days of normal driving.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The Malf unction
Indicator Lamp will come on f or 20
seconds. If it then goes of f , the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle f or a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to State Emissions Testing for
more information (see page ).
285
Readiness Codes
Malf unction Indicator L amp
260
If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties. This indicator may also
come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
The interior f use box is on the
driver’s lower lef t side. To remove
the f use box lid, pull it toward you
and take it out of its hinges.The under-hood f use box is located
near the back of the engine compart-
ment on the driver’s side. To open it,
pushthetabsasshown.If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages
and , or the diagram on the
f use box lid, which f use or f uses
control that component. Check those
f uses f irst, but check all the f uses
bef ore deciding that a blown f use is
not the cause. Replace any blown
f uses and check if the device works.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are of f .
Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
1.
2. 268 269
CONT INUED
Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
265
INTERIOR
UNDER-HOOD
TAB
µµ
µ
(
%
)
$
%
.
"
#
)
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the service manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
292
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card VISA
Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .168
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .78
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 103
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 212
...................................
Airbag (SRS) .11
..........
Airbag System Components . 23
............................
Air Conditioning .109
.........................................
Usage .111
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .237
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .280
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .59, 186
...................................
Operation .185
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 78
........
Audio System . 118,126,136,141
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 151
..............
Automatic Transmission . 178
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .274
.......................................
Shif ting .178
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 178
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 178
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 181Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .58, 259
............................
Jump Starting .253
..............................
Maintenance .242
............................
Specif ications .275
..............................
Bef ore Driving .159
........................................
Belts, Seat .10
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 185
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 160
....................
Bulb Replacement .231
...........................................
Fluid .223
.........................................
Parking .99
.........................
System Indicator .59
........................
Wear Indicators .184
.............................
Braking System .184
........................
Break-in, New Car .160
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 72
........................
Brights, Headlights .70
Bulb Replacement ..............................
Brake Lights .231
................
Front Parking Lights . 229
.................................
Headlights .226 .........
High-mount Brake Light . 232
............................
Specif ications .275
...............................
Trunk Light .231
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 229
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .226
............................
Capacities Chart .274
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 52
.............................
Carrying Cargo .170
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...................................
CD Changer .128
..............................
CD Player .126, 127
........................
CD Pocket, Center .103
........................
Certif ication Label .272
............................................
Chains .241
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .247
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .214
.............
When to . 202,203,204,205
...
Charging System Indicator . 58,259
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 174
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 81
Index
AB
C
INDEX
I