The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button. To reset a trip odom-
eter, display the desired trip odometer to be reset then
push and hold the button until the display resets (ap-
proximately 2 seconds).
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster
odometer. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the odometer reset button to turn the GASCAP message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. See Section 7 of this
manual for more information.
14. Cruise Indicator
This display indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON. 15. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key 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.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. See section 6 of
this manual for the proper jump starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5
•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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot
be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a
discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a
start from another vehicle. This type of start can be danger-
ous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to
touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush
contaminated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
328 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.5L Engines ..........................338
3.8L Engines ..........................339
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........340
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............341
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................341
Replacement Parts ......................343
Dealer Service .........................343
Maintenance Procedures ..................344 ▫
Engine Oil ..........................344
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................348
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 348
▫ Spark Plugs .........................349
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................349
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................350
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................351
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............353
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............354
7
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst 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 the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Car Washes............................ 373
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 299
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 156
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 158
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 157
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 232
Cassette Tape Player ................... 207,211
Catalytic Converter ...................... 350
Caution, Exhaust Gas ................... 71,357
CD (Compact Disc) Changer ..........193,203,215
CD (Compact Disc) Player . . . 187,191,197,201,207,213
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 233
Cellular Phone ........................ 83,233
Chains, Tire ............................ 294
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 320
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 275
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............173,341 Child Restraint
.......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............61,63
Child Safety Locks ........................ 19
Child Seat .............................. 68
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 297
Climate Control ......................... 234
Clock ................................ 186
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 233
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 286
Compass .............................. 183
Compass Calibration ..................... 184
Compass Variance ....................... 184
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 185
Console .............................. 155
Console, Floor .......................... 155
Console, Overhead ....................... 141
Contract, Service ........................ 416
Coolant Pressure Cap ..................... 361
Cooling System ......................... 358
424 INDEX