21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 399
for more information.) 22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The “ TRAC OFF ” Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The “ TRAC OFF ” Indicator will illuminate if:
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction
• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Extremely Cold Weather (below 29 ° Cor 20 ° F). To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully. WARNING!Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“ NORMAL STARTING ” , “ COLD WEATHER ” or “ HIGH
ALTITUDE ” procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5
WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully. WARNING!Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“ NORMAL STARTING ” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle ’ s
performance:
• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system. • An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.344 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow
this procedure carefully.
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don ’ t lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps
to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin,
flush contaminated area immediately with large quan-
tities of water.
• A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent
holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12 volts. 1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS 2.4L Engine ...........................396
3.3L/3.8L Engines ......................397
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII........398
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................399
Replacement Parts ......................400
Dealer Service .........................400
Maintenance Procedures ..................401
▫ Engine Oil ..........................401 ▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................405
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 405
▫ Spark Plugs .........................406
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................406
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................407
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................409
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............410
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............412
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............412
7
WARNING!The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7
Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................ 346
Oil (Engine) .......................... 404
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 418
Car Washes ............................ 429
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 345
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier ....................... 190
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 189
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 272
Cassette Tape Player ................ 214,234,238
Catalytic Converter ...................... 407
Caution, Exhaust Gas .............. 37,83,345,415
CD (Compact Disc) Changer ..... 223,230,242,255,256
CD (Compact Disc)
Player .......... 220,224,228,234,240,244,247,251,254
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 273
Cellular Phone ........................ 94,274
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 442 Center Lap Belts ......................... 51
Chains, Tire ............................ 339
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 368
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 321
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............. 210,399
Child Restraint .......................... 69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 74
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Child Seat ............................ 69,76
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 342
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ................................ 212
Coat Hook ............................ 189
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Disc (CD) Player ............... 214,220
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 332
Compass .............................. 159
Compass Calibration ..................... 159484 INDEX