
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. If a flat
bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used.
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type towing equipment. Damage to
the fascia and air dam may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 209
6

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a
valve is not working properly, replace it with a new
valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV
VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cruise Light........................... 88
Customer Assistance.................... 278
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 63
Daytime Running Lights.................. 66
Dealer Service......................... 217
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 138
Defroster, Windshield...............47,132,138
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 215
Dimmer Control........................ 63
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 66
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 239
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 234
Engine Oil.......................... 221
Door Ajar Warning...................... 15
Door Locks............................ 13
Door Locks, Automatic................... 15
Door Opener, Garage..................... 73
Drive Belts............................ 222
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 208E-85 Fuel............................. 181
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 80
Electrical Power Outlets................... 80
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 70
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 209
Jacking............................. 200
Jump Starting........................ 205
Overheating......................... 198
Towing............................. 209
Emergency Trunk Release................. 23
Emission Control System Maintenance....216,260
Engine............................213,214
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 222
Block Heater......................... 148
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 218
Compartment.....................213,214
Coolant (Antifreeze)................232,256
Cooling............................ 231
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180
Fails to Start......................... 148
Fuel Requirements.................178,255
INDEX 289
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

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
10