Page 211 of 300

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine..........................213
2.7L Engine..........................214
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......215
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................216
Replacement Parts.....................217
Dealer Service........................217
Maintenance Procedures.................218
▫Engine Oil..........................218
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........224
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................224
▫Air Conditioner......................226▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............227
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................228
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............228
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................229
▫Windshield Washers...................230
▫Exhaust System......................231
▫Cooling System.......................231
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......235
▫Brakes.............................236
▫Fuel System Hoses....................238
▫Automatic Transmission................238
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Page 236 of 300

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing 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
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
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 may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 237 of 300

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, fill brake fluid reservoir to
the top of the fill mark chevron. With disc brakes, fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
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Page 286 of 300

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
Page 295 of 300

Filter Disposal....................... 221
Identification Logo.................... 220
Materials Added to.................... 221
Pressure Gauge....................... 92
Quality............................. 220
Recommendation..................220,255
Synthetic........................... 221
Viscosity.........................221,255
Onboard Diagnostic System............215,216
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .......... 73
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overdrive............................ 152
Overheating, Engine..................... 198
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,281
Paint Care............................ 241
Paint Damage......................... 241
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 153
Parking On Hill........................ 154
Passing Light........................... 66
Pets.................................. 45
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 163Power
Brakes............................. 155
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 80
Seats............................... 58
Steering............................ 157
Steering, Checking.................... 227
Sunroof............................. 78
Windows............................ 24
Power Steering Fluid.................... 257
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 31
Preparation for Jacking................... 200
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 30
Programmable Electronic Features.........73,77
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............19,73,77
Radial Ply Tires........................ 170
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 233
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 98
Radio Operation...............108,113,126,128
Radio Remote Controls.................. 125
INDEX 295
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