Page 30 of 352

•Driver Airbag
•Passenger Airbag
•Steering Wheel And Column
•Instrument Panel
•Crash Sensor
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Knee Impact Bolsters
How The Airbag System Works
•
TheAirbag Control Module (ACM)determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate.
•The ACM will not detect side, roll over, or rear
impacts.
•The ACM also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON position. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolster, the instru-
ment panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
ignition key is in the OFF or ACC position, or not in
the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
•Also, the ACM turns on the “Airbag Warning Light” in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously. If the
ACM detects a malfunction, the “Airbag Warning
Light” will illuminate for a minimum of 12 seconds
and will remain illuminated as long as the malfunction
exists.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 33 of 352

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
2
Page 88 of 352
NOTE:On a dual top vehicle, the two rear and center
nuts are retained onto the bodyside.
4. Open both doors.
5. Open tailgate all the way to ensure clearance of the
rear window glass. Lift rear window glass.6. Locate the wiring harness at the rear left side corner of
the vehicle.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 245 of 352
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
Page 260 of 352

Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine
Replace the ignition cables at the intervals described in
the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on “Maintenance Schedule A.” If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on “Maintenance Schedule B.”
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE