
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the ABS computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the
traction control indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will flash. The system operates at speeds below 35
mph (56 km/h).A push-button located on the top of the steering column
turns the Traction Control System ON or OFF.
The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:
•The traction control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
Traction Control Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
5

•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the traction
control light located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the traction
control light.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•
P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; near the air cleaner. This information ap-
plies to vehicles built without the fuse and relay num-
bering embossed on the Power Distribution Center Top
Cover.
Interior Fuses
The fuse access panel is behind the end cover at the left
side of the instrument panel. To remove the panel, pull it
out, as shown.The identity of each fuse is indicated on the backside of
the cover.
Cavity Fuse Circuit
1 30 Amp
GreenBlower Motor
2 10 Amp
RedRight High Beam Headlight,
High Beam Indicator
3 10 Amp
RedLeft High Beam Headlight
4 15 Amp
BluePower Door Lock Switch Illumi-
nation, Transmission Range
Switch, Daytime Running Light
Module (Canada), Power Win-
dows, Anti-lock Brake System
Module
5 10 Amp
RedPower Door Lock and Door Lock
Arm/Disarm Switches, Vanity,
Reading, Map, Rear Seating, Igni-
tion, and Trunk Lights, Illumi-
nated Entry, Radio, Power An-
tenna, Data Link Connector, Body
Control Module, Power Amplifier
Fuse Panel Cover
246 MAINTAINING YOUR 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.
•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.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

About Your Brakes...................... 155
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 155
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 233
Adding Fuel.......................... 183
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 230
Additives, Fuel........................ 179
Aiming Headlights...................... 254
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 222
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 226
Air Conditioning....................129,135
Air Conditioning Controls................ 129
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........134,140
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 227
Air Conditioning System..............135,226
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 168
Airbag................................ 32
Airbag Deployment....................35,36
Airbag Light...................35,36,38,47,89
Airbag Maintenance...................... 38
Airbag, Side........................... 37
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........32,37
Alarm Light............................ 93Alarm, Panic........................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 21
Alignment and Balance.................. 174
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 124
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............232,255
Capacities........................... 255
Disposal............................ 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 155
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 91
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 21
Appearance Care....................... 241
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 54
Automatic Door Locks..................15,16
Automatic Headlights.................... 65
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 129
Automatic Transaxle............149,151,238,257
Adding Fluid........................ 257
Filter.............................. 240
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 240
Fluid Level Check..................... 239
Interlock System....................10,150
Reset Mode......................... 151
286 INDEX

Selection Of Lubricant...............239,257
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 240
Autostick............................. 176
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 80
Ball Joints............................ 228
Battery............................... 224
Emergency Starting.................... 205
Gas Caution......................207,225
Heater............................. 148
Jump Starting........................ 205
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................205,224
Belts, Drive........................... 222
Belts, Engine.......................... 224
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 228
B-Pillar Location....................... 163
Brake, Parking......................... 153
Brake System.......................155,236
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 155
Fluid Check......................... 237
Hoses.............................. 236Master Cylinder...................... 237
Warning Light........................ 92
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........149,151
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................249,251
Bulbs, Light........................... 248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 255
Capacities, Fluid....................... 255
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 183
Oil (Engine)......................... 221
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 233
Car Washes........................... 241
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180
Carpeting............................. 243
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 127
Cassette Tape Player................99,108,110
Catalytic Converter..................... 223
CD (Compact Disc) Changer......106,111,116,119
CD (Compact Disc) Player.......104,113,115,126
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 253
Central Locking......................... 15
INDEX 287
10

Oil ..........................218,255,256
Oil Change Interval................... 219
Oil Selection......................220,255
Oil Synthetic......................... 221
Overheating......................... 198
Timing Belt.......................... 224
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 255
Entry System, Illuminated................. 13
Exhaust Gas Caution...............46,180,231
Exhaust System........................ 231
Exterior Light Service.................... 249
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 222
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Engine Fuel......................... 223
Engine Oil.......................221,256
Engine Oil Disposal................... 221
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 198
Turn Signal.......................... 89
Flash-To-Pass........................... 66
Flat Tire Changing...................... 200Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 182
Engine Oil.......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................181,182
Maintenance......................... 183
Replacement Parts.................... 183
Starting............................ 182
Floor Console.......................... 52
Fluid, Brake........................... 257
Fluid Capacities........................ 255
Fluid Leaks............................ 47
Fluid Level Checks...................... 239
Automatic Transaxle................... 239
Capacities........................... 255
Cooling System....................... 232
Engine Oil.......................... 218
Power Steering....................... 227
Fluids............................... 256
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 256
Fog Light Service....................... 252
Fog Lights........................66,90,252
Folding Rear Seat....................... 60
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 209
290 INDEX