
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 47
2

20. Anti-Lock (ABS) Warning Light After ignition is turned on, illuminates to indicate
function check at vehicle start-up. If light remains
on after start-up or comes on and stays on at road speeds,
it may indicate that the ABS has detected a malfunction
or has become inoperative. The system reverts to stan-
dard non-anti-lock brakes.
If both the red BRAKE warning light and the amber ABS
warning light are on, see your dealer immediately. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this manual.
21. Brake Warning Light After ignition is turned on, illuminates to indicate
function check at vehicle start-up. Indicates park-
ing brake is applied. If the light stays on when the
parking brake is off, it indicates a possible brake system
fluid leak or low pressure level, see your authorized
dealer immediately. If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is in
motion, the red BRAKE warning light will “flash” and a
chime will sound.
The operation of the BRAKE warning light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
22. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2 U.S.
Gallons (7.6L) this light will come on and remain on
until fuel is added. The “Low Fuel Warning Light”
may turn on and off again, especially during and after
hard braking, accelerations, or turns. This occurs due to
the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
4

23. Fuel Cap Indicator This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.
24. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank. When
the fuel gauge pointer initially moves to E, for your
safety, approximately 2 U.S. Gallons (7.6L) of fuel remain.
NOTE: When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature
gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the time in hours and
minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position and the time button is pressed.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON or ACC position
and press the time button. Using the tip of a ballpoint pen
or similar object, press either the hour (H) or minute (M)
buttons on the radio.
2. Press the H button to set hours or the M button to set
minutes. The time setting will increase each time you
press a button.
152 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressures are listed on the
lower front inside corner of the driver door opening. 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
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.Tire Placard Location
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
WARNING!
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.
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) — If Equipped
•
Turn the engine off.
•Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap, and turn the
key to the right to unlock the fuel cap. Rotate the fuel
cap to the left to remove.
•To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear two
clicks. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
5

Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 271
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 261
Disposal Engine Oil ........................... 274
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 287
Door Locks ............................. 19
Doors ................................. 18
Drive Belts ............................ 275
Driving ............................... 208
Off-Pavement ......................... 209
Off-Road ............................ 209
Dual Top .............................. 75
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ....... 71
Electrical Power Outlets .................... 71
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 69
Emergency Brake ........................ 200 Emergency, In Case of
Brake Warning Light .................... 151
Coolant Temperature Gauge .............. 149
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge ............... 149
Jacking ............................. 254
Jump Starting ......................... 258
Emission Control System Maintenance ......269,318
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 278
Block Heater ......................... 184
Break-In Recommendations ................ 44
Compartment ......................... 267
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 45,232
Fails to Start .......................... 183
Flooded, Starting ...................... 183
Fuel Requirements .................. 229,314
Jump Starting ......................... 258
Oil .............................. 271,314
Oil Disposal .......................... 274
INDEX 351
10

Oil Filter............................ 274
Oil Pressure Gauge ..................... 149
Oil Selection .......................... 314
Overheating .......................... 253
Starting ............................. 182
Temperature Gauge ..................... 149
Timing Belt .......................... 277
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 274
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 274
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 17
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 45,232
Exhaust System ......................... 283
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 26
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 298
Fabric Care ......................... 300,302
Fabric Top ............................. 302
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 278 Engine Fuel
.......................... 278
Engine Oil ........................... 274
Finish Care ............................ 298
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 252
Turn Signal ..................... 147,311,313
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 183
Fluid Capacities ......................... 314
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 296
Automatic Transmission ................. 292
Engine Oil ........................... 271
Manual Transmission ................... 294
Power Steering ........................ 281
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 315
Fog Light Service ........................ 311
Fog Lights ........................... 66,311
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 59
Folding Windshield ...................... 132
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 194
352 INDEX

Shifting............................. 196
Four Wheel Drive Operation .............194,195
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 296
Fuel ................................. 229
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 233
Filter ............................... 278
Gasoline ............................ 229
Gauge .............................. 152
Materials Added ....................... 231
Octane Rating ........................ 230
Requirements ......................... 314
Tank Capacity ........................ 314
Fuel System Caution ................... 232,234
Fuses ................................ 305
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................. 233
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 229
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 230
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ................ 230 Gauges
Coolant Temperature .................... 149
Fuel ................................ 152
Odometer ........................... 150
Oil Pressure .......................... 149
Speedometer ......................... 148
Tachometer .......................... 147
Voltmeter ............................ 147
Gear Ranges ........................ 187,189
Glass Cleaning .......................... 300
Glove Compartment ...................... 73
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 237
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 236
HardTop .............................. 89
Hard Top Removal ....................... 90
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 252
Headlights Bulb Replacement ...................... 310
INDEX 353
10