Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives. Besides damaging the
exhaust emission control systems on your car, lead has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions. These may include:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
wear neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store -bought
additives to your car's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
pg. 90 Refueling
Refueling
The fuel tank holds approximately:
Front wheel drive, non-turbo models - 18.5 US gal. (70 liters)
All turbo models - 18 US gal. (68 liters)
with sufficient volume left over to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the
"usable" tank capacity will be somewhat less than the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as
ambient temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure" characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pump's ability to
supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the
needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning light comes on.
Fuel filler door
Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 37
) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your car while it is being refueled, this features enables you to lock the door/tailgate while
leaving the fuel filler door unlocked.
You can also keep the car locked if you remain inside it during refueling. The central locking button does not lock the
fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot weather conditions.
NOTE: During a transitional period, a small number of service stations may still have fuel nozzles that are not
compatible with the fuel filler neck on cars equipped with the evaporative control system. Please refer to page 147
for
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Speed-sensitive power steering
(Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic, etc., easier.
The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway speeds.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load on the rear of
the vehicle (e.g., heavily loaded (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg) cargo area or when towing a trailer, the less the tendency to
understeer.
pg. 102 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by switching off
the air conditioning system for a short time.
Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant will be extremely hot.
If necessary, see page 148
and 151 for information on checking and topping-up the coolant level.
CAUTION: Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm). See the flood warning on page 7
.
WARNING!
Driving with the tailgate open : Driving with the tailgate open could mean that poisonous exhaust gases enter the
passenger compartment.
If the tailgate must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
- Close the windows.
- Set the ventilation system to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its highest
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