
A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to a dealer for service. To reset the transmission,
use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described in the previ-
ous section. In Permanent Limp Home Mode, PARK(P),
REVERSE(R) and NEUTRAL(N) will continue to operate.
SECOND gear will operate in the DRIVE(D) shifter
position. The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in Section 4 of
this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System — OBDII” in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 Lamp
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.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 205
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 273
Adding Fuel.......................... 235
Adding Washer Fluid.................101,270
Additives, Fuel........................ 233
Adjustable Pedals....................... 93
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 267
Air Conditioning....................... 178
Air Conditioning Filter................187,268
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 188
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 268
Air Conditioning System................. 178
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 218
Airbag................................ 36
Airbag Deployment....................40,46
Airbag Light....................41,48,58,134
Airbag Maintenance...................... 48
Airbag, Side........................... 45
Airbag, Window......................37,45
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 223
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 172Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............272,295
Disposal............................ 274
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)..........103,205
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 138
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 280
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Auto Up Power Windows................. 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Temperature Control............ 181
Automatic Transmission............194,278,279
Adding Fluid.....................279,296
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 279
Fluid Change........................ 279
Fluid Level Check..................... 278
Fluid Type.......................... 296
Autostick..........................196,201
Ball Joints............................ 269
Battery............................... 266
Jump Starting........................ 247
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
322 INDEX

Seat Belt Reminder...................... 34
Seat Belts.............................. 29
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 33
And Pregnant Women.................. 35
Child Restraint......................50,55
Extender............................ 35
Front Seat............................ 30
Operating Instructions.................. 30
Pretensioners......................... 33
Reminder........................... 135
Seats................................. 88
Heated.............................. 90
Lumbar Support....................... 90
Power.............................. 88
Rear Folding......................... 92
Reclining............................ 89
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 22
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........272,296
Selection of Oil........................ 261
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 314
Service Contract........................ 316Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 138
Service Manuals........................ 317
Setting the Clock.................151,157,173
Settings, Personal....................... 147
Shift Speeds........................... 194
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 33
Side Airbag............................ 45
Signals, Turn.......................... 134
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 249
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 228
Snow Tires............................ 229
Spark Plugs........................... 263
Speed Control......................... 108
Speedometer.......................... 132
Starting.............................. 192
Engine Fails to Start................... 193
Starting and Operating................... 192
Steering
Linkage............................ 269
Power...........................207,268
Tilt Column......................... 102
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 102
INDEX 331
10