Page 341 of 440
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Turn Off the engine and allow approximately 5 min-
utes for the oil to settle to the bottom of the crankcase.
3. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Wipe the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) clean.
5. Install the engine oil level indicator (dipstick) and
make sure it is seated in the tube.
6. Remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick), keep-
ing the handle above the tip, and read the oil level on the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Add oil only if the level is below the “SAFE” range (at
or below the “ADD” mark) on the engine oil level
indicator (dipstick). Adding one quart of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark will result in a reading at the
top of the SAFE range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
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Page 362 of 440

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 363 of 440

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F ( 21°C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
7
Page 423 of 440

Points to Remember.................... 358
Radiator Cap......................... 357
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......356,385,386
Temperature Gauge..................... 183
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 142
Cup Holder............................ 173
Customer Assistance..................... 412
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 340
Defroster, Rear Window................... 238
Defroster, Windshield................76,225,230
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 137
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 337
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 184
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 362
Oil (Engine).......................... 340Power Steering........................ 350
Disarming, Theft System................... 27
Disc Brakes............................ 360
Disposal
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 355
Door Ajar Light......................... 188
Door Locks............................. 15
Door Opener, Garage..................... 162
Drive Belts............................ 345
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 351
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 215
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 170
Electronic Brake Control System............. 146
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 142
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......139,150,189
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 264
INDEX 423
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