Periodic 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 tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of 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,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A continuous chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
(See page 247 for more information.)
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when there is
approximately 2 gallons (9 liters) of fuel remain-
ing in the tank. This light will remain on until
fuel is added.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb. (See page 100 for more information.)
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. (See page 140 for more information.)
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
▫Replacement Tires.....................213
▫Alignment And Balance.................214
Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped. . 214
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring................214
▫General Information...................216
Tire Chains...........................217
Snow Tires...........................218
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........218
▫Tire Rotation — Standard Tires............218
▫Tire Rotation — All Season Tires..........219
▫Tire Rotation — General Information.......219
Ground Clearance.....................220
Fuel Requirements.....................220
▫Spark Knock.........................220
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................221
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............221▫MMT In Gasoline.....................221
▫Materials Added To Fuel................222
▫Fuel System Cautions..................222
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............223
Adding Fuel..........................224
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............224
Vehicle Loading.......................225
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............225
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......226
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........226
▫Overloading.........................226
▫Loading............................226
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). 228
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................228
Trailer Towing........................228
182 STARTING AND OPERATING
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either
the face of the driver’s door or the driver’s side “B” pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.
Tire Placard Location
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
5
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 195
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 259
Adding Fuel.......................... 224
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,105,257
Additives, Fuel........................ 222
Adjustable Pedals....................... 94
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 254
Air Conditioning Filter................179,255
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 180
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 255
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 209
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................39,45
Airbag Light....................40,47,57,135
Airbag Maintenance...................... 46
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window......................35,43
Alarm System.......................... 21
Alignment and Balance.................. 214
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 167
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............259,281
Disposal............................ 260Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 195
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 135
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 21
Appearance Care....................... 266
Auto Down Power Windows............... 23
Auto Up Power Windows................. 24
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Headlights.................... 99
Automatic Temperature Control............ 173
Automatic Transmission............185,265,266
Adding Fluid.....................266,282
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 266
Fluid Change........................ 266
Fluid Level Check..................... 265
Fluid Type.......................... 282
Autostick..........................187,192
Ball Joints............................ 256
Battery............................... 253
Jump Starting........................ 235
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
Location.........................236,253
308 INDEX
Bearings.............................. 266
Belts, Drive........................... 250
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 256
B-Pillar Location....................... 204
Brake Assist System..................... 108
Brake, Parking......................... 194
Brake System.......................195,262
Anti-Lock........................... 195
Fluid Check......................264,282
Hoses.............................. 263
Warning Light....................... 136
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 192
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 56
Bulb Replacement...................... 276
Bulbs, Light........................... 275
Calibration, Compass.................... 144
Capacities, Fluid....................... 281
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 224
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 260
Car Washes........................... 267
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............56,223Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 126
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 171
Catalytic Converter..................... 251
CD Player............................ 152
Cellular Phone.......................... 66
Chains, Tire........................... 217
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 201
Child Restraint...................48,50,52,54
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 52
Child Safety Locks....................... 17
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 221
Climate Control........................ 173
Clock.............................151,153
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 172
Compass............................. 143
Compass Calibration.................... 144
Compass Variance...................... 144
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 142
Console.............................. 126
Console, Floor......................... 126
Console, Overhead...................... 113
Contract, Service....................... 302
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 260
INDEX 309
10