Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71
2
prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” will flash any time the ESP or TCS is active and
helping to improve vehicle stability. If the “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” is on solid, the ESP system has been
turned off by the driver or a temporary condition exists
that will not allow full ESP function. (See page 131 for
more information.)
12. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale. (See page 297 for more infor-
mation.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........297
▫Base System.........................297
▫Premium System......................299
▫General Information...................303
Tire Chains...........................303
Tire Rotation Recommendations............304
Fuel Requirements......................305
▫3.7/4.7L Engines (If Equipped)............305
▫5.7L Engines (If Equipped)...............305
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................306
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............306
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................307
▫Materials Added To Fuel................307▫Fuel System Cautions..................307
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............308
Fuel Tank Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............309
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............311
TrailerTowing .........................312
▫Common Towing Definitions.............312
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............314
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........315
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............316
▫Towing Requirements..................317
▫TowingTips .........................321
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 323
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either
the face of the driver’s door, or the driver’s side “B” pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
290 STARTING AND OPERATING
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. (See page 186 for more information.) 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. (See
page 348 for more information.)WARNING!
•Remove the fuel cap (gas cap) slowly to prevent
fuel spray from the filler neck which may cause
injury.
•The volatility of some gasoline may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the SAFE level range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart
(0.95L) of oil when the level is at the bottom of the SAFE
range will result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Autostick............................. 258
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 162
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 162
Battery............................... 359
Emergency Starting..................... 338
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 122
Belts,Drive ............................ 355
Belts, Seat.............................. 33
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 363
B-Pillar Location........................ 285
Brake Assist System...................... 133
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 131
Brake System........................... 370
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................132,271
Hoses.............................. 371
Master Cylinder....................... 371
Parking............................. 269Warning Light........................ 178
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 257
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement....................... 387
Capacities, Fluid........................ 388
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 309
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 367
Car Washes............................ 377
Carbon Monoxide Warning............ 69,153,308
Cargo Area Features...................... 166
Cargo Compartment...................... 166
Luggage Carrier....................... 169
Cargo Load Floor........................ 166
Catalytic Converter...................... 356
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 153
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............200,214
Cellular Phone.......................... 82
INDEX 421
10
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............122,126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator........................140,180,183
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 184
Fog .............................126,185
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 183
Fuses............................... 381
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 330
Headlight Switch...................... 122
Headlights On With Wipers............... 123
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
Illuminated Entry....................... 18
Instrument Cluster..................122,125
Interior..........................120,125
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Low Fuel............................ 185
LowTire ............................ 181
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 178
Oil Pressure.......................... 180Passing............................. 126
Reading............................. 121
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 183
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 180
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 178
SmartBeams.......................... 124
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 181
Tow/Haul Indicator.................... 183
Traction Control....................140,180
Turn Signal........................122,126
VanityMirror .......................... 82
Voltage............................. 185
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 166
Loading Vehicle
Tires ............................... 285
Locks................................. 18
Automatic Door........................ 20
Child Protection........................ 19
Door................................ 18
428 INDEX