Page 237 of 352

Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor, and
the Fan Control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 237
6
Page 258 of 352

Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
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 mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Information” label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 259 of 352

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 259
7
Page 269 of 352

Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze (coolant) solu-
tion. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing antifreeze/coolant types will decrease
the life of the antifreeze/coolant and will require more
frequent antifreeze/coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
antifreeze/coolant, and to insure that antifreeze/coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add antifreeze/coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 269
7
Page 336 of 352

Oil Filter............................ 257
Oil Pressure Gauge..................... 145
Oil Selection.......................... 295
Overheating.......................... 237
Starting............................. 178
Temperature Gauge..................... 145
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 256
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 256
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 17
Exhaust Gas Caution...................44,225
Exhaust System......................... 266
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 26
Exterior Finish Care...................... 280
Fabric Care.........................280,283
Fabric Top............................. 280
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 260
Engine Fuel.......................... 260Engine Oil........................... 257
Finish Care............................ 280
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 236
Turn Signal.....................143,292,294
Flooded Engine Starting................... 179
Fluid Capacities......................... 295
Fluid Level Checks...................... 278
Automatic Transmission................. 274
Engine Oil........................... 253
Manual Transmission................... 276
Power Steering........................ 263
Fog Light Service........................ 292
Fog Lights...........................63,292
Folding Rear Seat........................ 57
Folding Windshield...................... 130
Four Wheel Drive....................... 190
Shifting............................. 192
Four Wheel Drive Operation.............190,191
336 INDEX
Page 341 of 352

Filter............................... 257
Identification Logo..................... 255
Materials Added to..................... 257
Recommendation...................255,295
Viscosity..........................256,295
Onboard Diagnostic System..............250,251
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 54
Overheating, Engine...................... 237
Owner’s Manual........................ 328
Paint Care............................. 279
Paint Damage.......................... 279
Parking Brake.......................... 196
Passing Light........................... 63
PCV Valve............................ 260
Pets.................................. 43
Pets, Transporting........................ 43
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 211
Polishing and Waxing..................... 280Power
Distribution Center..................... 288
Steering............................. 263
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 26
Preparation for Jacking.................... 239
Pressure Gauge, Oil...................... 145
Radial Ply Tires......................... 218
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 149
Radio Operation......................150,169
Radio, Satellite.......................... 163
Radio (Sound Systems).................150,156
Rear Axle............................. 278
Rear Window Defroster................... 137
Rear Window Features.................... 137
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 138
Rearview Mirrors........................ 50
Reclining Front Seats...................... 56
INDEX 341
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