Page 254 of 368

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 265 of 368
Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage
The jack and spare tire are both stowed under an access
cover in the trunk. Follow these steps to access the jack
and spare tire.
NOTE:The spare tire must be removed in order to
access the jack.
•Open the trunk.
•Lift the access cover using the pull strap.
•Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
•Remove the spare tire.
Opening The Access Panel
Spare Tire Fastener
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 265
6
Page 266 of 368
•Remove the fastener securing the jack.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, jack and lug wrench.3. Before raising the vehicle, use lug wrench to carefully
pry off wheel center cap.WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with the metal
edges and retention teeth.
Jack Fastener
Center Cap Removal
266 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 303 of 368

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 those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which 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 cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage 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 the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
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.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7
Page 304 of 368

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
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.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. 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.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 322 of 368
8. Pull the appropriate bulb to remove it from the socket.
9. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket, and reattach the
tail light assembly.
10. Close the trunk.
License Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly and pull the
bulb from the socket.
3. Replace the bulb and reinstall the bulb and socket
assembly.
4. Reattach the light to the rear fascia.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 352 of 368

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 214
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 300
Adding Fuel.......................... 244
Adding Washer Fluid.................105,297
Additives, Fuel........................ 243
Adjustable Pedals....................... 95
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 294
Air Conditioning....................... 181
Air Conditioning Filter................190,295
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 191
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 295
Air Conditioning System................. 181
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 227
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................42,48
Airbag Light....................43,50,60,136
Airbag Maintenance...................... 49
Airbag, Side........................... 46
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........38,46
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 25
Alignment and Balance.................. 233
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 175Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............299,323
Disposal............................ 301
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 214
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 25
Appearance Care....................... 307
Auto Down Power Windows............... 29
Auto Up Power Windows................. 29
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 67
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 101
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 184
Automatic Transmission............198,203,306
Adding Fluid.....................306,325
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 306
Fluid Change........................ 306
Fluid Level Check..................... 306
Fluid Type.......................... 325
Gear Ranges......................... 199
Torque Converter..................... 201
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 202
Autostick..........................205,210
352 INDEX
Page 361 of 368

Reporting Safety Defects................. 347
Restraint, Head......................... 94
Restraints, Occupant..................... 31
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 273
Rotation, Tires......................... 240
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 60
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 60
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 347
Safety Information, Tire.................. 218
Safety Tips............................. 59
Satellite Radio......................... 172
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 175
Schedule, Maintenance................... 328
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 310
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 36
Seat Belts.............................. 32
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 35
And Pregnant Women.................. 37
Child Restraint....................51,52,57
Extender............................ 37
Front Seat............................ 32
Operating Instructions.................. 32Pretensioners......................... 36
Reminder........................... 138
Seats................................. 90
Heated.............................. 92
Lumbar Support....................... 92
Power.............................. 90
Rear Folding......................... 94
Reclining............................ 91
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 25
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........299,324
Self-Sealing Tires....................... 234
Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................. 12
Service Assistance...................... 344
Service Contract........................ 346
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 141
Service Manuals........................ 347
Setting the Clock.................156,162,178
Settings, Personal....................... 150
Shift Speeds........................... 198
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 35
Side Airbag............................ 46
Signals, Turn.......................... 136
INDEX 361
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