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 between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading
on these engines.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 trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Emergency Starting..................... 258
Voltmeter ............................ 147
Belts, Drive ............................ 275
Belts, Seat .............................. 20
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 282
B-Pillar Location ........................ 217
Brake System ........................... 290
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 205
Hoses .............................. 290
Master Cylinder ....................... 291
Parking ............................. 200
Warning Light ........................ 151
Brakes ............................... 203
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 189
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 44
Bulb Replacement ..................... 309,310
Calibration, Compass ...................... 54
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 314 Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................ 233
Power Steering ........................ 281
Car Washes ............................ 298
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 232
Carpeting ............................. 301
Catalytic Converter ...................... 275
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 45
CD (Compact Disc) Changer ................ 158
CD (Compact Disc) Player .........154,157,160,163
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 171
Cellular Phone .......................... 172
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 313
Chains, Tire ............................ 228
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 254
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 214
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............149,269
Child Restraint ...................... 34,39,42
INDEX 349
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