Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” may flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 250 for more
information.)
18. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to toggle between the
odometer and trip odometer displays. This button is also
used to reset the trip odometer to 0. While the display is
showing the trip odometer, press and hold the button for
approximately 2 seconds and the display will reset to 0.19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
The odometer will “illuminate” when the driver’s door
has been opened, and will remain on for 20 seconds after
exiting the vehicle.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.
The trip odometer shows individual mileage up to 999.9
miles (1 600 km). To switch from odometer to trip
odometer, press the trip odometer button.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine...........................248
4.0L Engine...........................249
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........250
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................251
Replacement Parts......................252
Dealer Service.........................252
Maintenance Procedures..................253
▫Engine Oil..........................253▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 257
▫Spark Plugs.........................258
▫Catalytic Converter....................258
▫Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine.........260
▫Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine......260
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........260
▫Fuel Filter..........................260
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................260
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................261
7
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
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
Voltmeter............................ 143
Belts, Drive............................ 257
Belts, Seat.............................. 20
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 264
B-Pillar Location........................ 211
Brake System........................... 272
Anti-Lock........................... 200
Hoses.............................. 272
Master Cylinder....................... 273
Parking............................. 196
Warning Light........................ 147
Brakes............................... 198
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 185
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 44
Bulb Replacement.....................290,291
Calibration, Compass...................... 52
Capacities, Fluid........................ 295Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 226
Power Steering........................ 263
Car Washes............................ 280
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 225
Carpeting............................. 283
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 167
Catalytic Converter...................... 258
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 44
CD Changer........................... 154
CD Player....................150,152,156,159
CD Player Maintenance................... 168
Cellular Phone.......................... 169
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 294
Chains, Tire............................ 221
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 238
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 208
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)...........145,251
INDEX 333
10
Child Restraint......................34,38,41
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............37,38
Climate Control......................... 169
Clock................................ 148
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System........178,183
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 168
Compass.............................. 50
Compass Calibration...................... 52
Compass Variance........................ 53
Console............................... 72
Console, Floor........................... 72
Contract, Service........................ 324
Converter, Catalytic...................... 258
Cooling System......................... 266
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 268
Coolant Capacity...................... 295
Coolant Level......................... 270
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 269
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 267Inspection........................... 266
Points to Remember.................... 270
Pressure Cap......................... 269
Selection of Coolant..................267,295
Temperature Gauge..................... 145
Corrosion Protection..................... 279
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 260
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............... 66
Cruise Light........................... 143
Cup Holder............................ 70
Customer Assistance..................... 322
Daytime Running Lights................... 64
Dealer Service.......................... 252
Defroster, Rear Window................... 137
Defroster, Windshield..................171,173
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 64
Deploying, Airbag........................ 31
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 250
334 INDEX