Page 240 of 302

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
•The vehicle must be on level ground.
•The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
•Fully apply parking brake.
•Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
•Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
•If the fluid is cold (80°F / 27°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked “COLD” (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid is hot (180°F / 82°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ”HOT” (between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”— Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 263 of 302

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 of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 263
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Page 264 of 302
•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 linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
264 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 267 of 302
Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*XXX X X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. X
Rotate the tires. X X X
SCHEDULE “B” 267
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Page 269 of 302
Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if neces-
sary.*XXXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering belt
(2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if required.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, ro-
tors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace theignition cableson 2.4 liter engine. X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7 liter
engine.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not done at 100,000 miles.X
SCHEDULE “B” 269
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Page 270 of 302
Miles 75,000 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (135 000) (140 000) (145 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter
engine.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
270 SCHEDULE “B”
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Page 271 of 302
Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000) (180 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXX X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXX X X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.7 liter en-
gine.X
Check and re-tension accessory drive belts on
2.7 liter engine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.4 liter
engine.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if not
replaced at 60 months.X
SCHEDULE “B” 271
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Page 272 of 302

Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000) (205 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at
3 months.XXXXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if necessary.*XXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Replace theignition cableson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, rotors, rear
drums and shoes.XX
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.7 liter engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months, if not
done at 100,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
272 SCHEDULE “B”
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