Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
314 STARTING AND OPERATING
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints ........355
▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................355
▫ Steering Linkage ......................355
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............355
▫ Body Lubrication .....................356
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................356
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....357
▫ Exhaust System ......................357
▫ Cooling System .......................358
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......363
▫ Brakes .............................364
▫ Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 365
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................367 ▫
Automatic Transmission ................367
▫ All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped .....370
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........372
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................372
▫ Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 376
Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............377
Vehicle Storage ........................380
Replacement Light Bulbs .................381
Bulb Replacement ......................382
▫ Standard Quad Headlights ...............382
▫ High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) —
If Equipped .........................383
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading. a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”. If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B”
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped
Under normal operating conditions, periodic fluid level
checks and lubricant changes for the Power Transfer
Unit, Overrunning Clutch and Rear Carrier, are not
required. However when the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons, the exterior surface of these components should
be inspected for evidence of fluid leaks. Confirmed leaks
should be repaired as soon as possible.
Power Transfer Unit
The fill plug is located on the side of the power transfer
unit housing. The fluid should be maintained at a level
even with the bottom of the fill plug hole when the
vehicle is parked on a level surface. If it becomes neces-
sary to add or replace the fluid, use only the manufac-
turers recommended fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once a Month
•Check 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 coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder and transmission, 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 the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
392 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S
Selection Of Lubricant................367,388
Shifting ............................. 263
Special Additives ...................... 370
Automatic Transmission ................... 367
Adding Fluid ......................... 368
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 369
Fluid Change ......................... 369
Fluid Level Check ...................... 368
Fluid Type ........................... 367
Autostick ........................... 139,264
Ball Joints ............................. 355
Battery ............................... 351
Gas Caution .......................... 352
Jump Starting ......................... 327
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Bearings .............................. 372
Belts, Drive ............................ 348
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 356 B-Pillar Location
........................ 278
Brake, Parking .......................... 266
Brake System ........................ 268,364
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 269
Fluid Check ....................... 365,388
Hoses .............................. 364
Warning Light ........................ 170
Brakes ............................. 268,364
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 261
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 71
Bulb Replacement ....................... 382
Bulbs, Light ............................ 381
Calibration, Compass ..................... 184
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 386
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 300
Oil (Engine) ....................... 346,347
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 361
INDEX 423
10
Air Conditioning.................... 253,354
Automatic Transaxle .................... 369
Engine Oil ........................ 348,387
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 348
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 318
Turn Signal ..................... 169,384,385
Floor Console .......................... 155
Fluid Capacities ......................... 386
Fluid Leaks ............................. 73
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 368
Brake ............................ 365,388
Power Steering ..................... 354,388
Fluids ................................ 387
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 387
Fog Light Service ........................ 384
Fog Lights ....................... 129,174,384
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 116 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
................... 330
Fuel ................................. 296
Adding ............................. 300
Additives ............................ 298
Clean Air ............................ 297
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 300
Gasoline ............................ 296
Gauge .............................. 169
Hoses .............................. 367
Octane Rating ...................... 296,387
Requirements ...................... 296,386
Tank Capacity ........................ 386
Fuel System Caution ..................... 298
Fueling ............................... 300
Fuses ................................ 377
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) ........... 142
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............300,341
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 297
INDEX 427
10