Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 115
2
17. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to 2 gallons, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
18. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
19. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
(See page 183 for more information.)
20. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does not
come on during starting, stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer. (See page 103 for more information.)
21. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4
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
312 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase as indicated by an oil level
above the “Max” mark on the engine oil dipstick
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Non–Turbo Charged Engine then
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsedInspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
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 transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 297
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 384
Adding Fuel........................... 326
Adding Washer Fluid..................187,275
Additives, Fuel......................... 324
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 374
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 377
Air Conditioning Controls................. 266
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 271
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............377,378
Air Conditioning System................266,377
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 312
Airbag.............................. 55,89
Airbag Deployment.................... 68,101
Airbag Light.................... 70,103,115,227
Airbag Maintenance.................... 69,103
Airbag, Side.......................... 65,99
Alarm, Panic............................ 33
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 36,226Alignment and Balance................... 319
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 265
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........383,411,412
Capacities........................... 411
Disposal............................ 385
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 297
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 227
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 36
Appearance Care........................ 395
Auto Down Power Windows................ 43
Automatic Door Locks................... 20,21
Automatic Transaxle.............. 13,280,284,391
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 393
Fluid Level Check...................... 392
Interlock System..................... 18,285
Reset Mode.......................... 285
Selection Of Lubricant................... 391
Shifting ............................. 286
448 INDEX
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 181
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 226
Fog ..........................183,227,409
Front Replacement..................... 408
Headlight Switch...................... 182
Headlights........................... 182
High Beam Indicator.................... 228
Instrument Cluster..................... 182
Interior............................. 180
Lights On Reminder.................... 182
Low Fuel............................ 227
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 224
Map Reading......................178,179
Oil Pressure.......................... 227
Rear Servicing........................ 410
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 226
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 36
Service.............................. 408
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 226Traction Control....................... 301
Turn Signal..................181,183,224,409
Voltage............................. 226
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 222
Loading Vehicle......................... 329
Tires ............................... 307
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 20
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 212
Lumbar Support........................ 162
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 375
Maintenance, General..................... 367
Maintenance Procedures................... 367
456 INDEX