Page 46 of 352

have it serviced. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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13. Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. This gauge does not
indicate oil level, and pressure varies with engine
speed, temperature and oil viscosity. Consistent lower
readings indicate possible malfunction. Seek authorized
service.
14. Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. The red
zone to the far right indicates possible overheat-
ing. Seek authorized service immediately if the
gauge operates in the red zone. In U.S. vehicles, tempera-
ture is indicated in degrees fahrenheit; in Canadian
vehicles in degrees centigrade.
15. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If
the light does not come on for 6 to 8 seconds,stays on or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer.
16. Check Gauges Warning Light
This light monitors the engine coolant tem-
perature, engine oil pressure, and voltage
gauges. If it detects an extreme condition a
chime will sound and the light will come on. If the light
comes on, check the operation of these gauges for a
malfunction condition.
17. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 145
4
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23. Fuel Cap Indicator
This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.
24. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank. When
the fuel gauge pointer initially moves to E, for your
safety, approximately 2 U.S. Gallons (7.6L) of fuel remain.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature
gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the time in hours and
minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position and the time button is pressed.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON or ACC position
and press the time button. Using the tip of a ballpoint pen
or similar object, press either the hour (H) or minute (M)
buttons on the radio.
2. Press the H button to set hours or the M button to set
minutes. The time setting will increase each time you
press a button.
148 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 254 of 352
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading
on these engines.CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING!
Commercial windshield washer solvents are flam-
mable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seepinto the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 302 of 352
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect brake hoses.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Inspect manual transmission fluid level — if
equipped.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
302 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 335 of 352

Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 63
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 253
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 244
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 257
Used Coolant......................... 269
Door Locks............................. 18
Doors................................. 18
Drive Belts............................ 257
Driving............................... 202
Off-Pavement......................... 202
Off-Road............................ 202
Dual Top.............................. 73
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary.................. 69
Electrical Power Outlets.................... 69
Electronic Speed Control................... 66
Emergency Brake........................ 196Emergency, In Case of
Brake Warning Light.................... 147
Coolant Temperature Gauge.............. 145
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge............... 145
Jacking............................. 238
Jump Starting......................... 242
Emission Control System Maintenance......251,300
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 260
Block Heater......................... 180
Break-In Recommendations................ 44
Compartment......................... 249
Exhaust Gas Caution..................44,225
Fails to Start.......................... 179
Flooded, Starting...................... 179
Fuel Requirements..................222,295
Jump Starting......................... 242
Oil ..............................253,295
Oil Disposal.......................... 257
INDEX 335
10
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