{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you. You
cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking the
exhaust pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the
heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to restart
the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
247
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right.
That will clear the area around the front wheels.
Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R)
and a forward gear, or with a manual transaxle,
between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and
REVERSE (R), spinning the wheels as little as
possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you
shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions,
you will cause a rocking motion that may free your
vehicle. If that does not get your vehicle out
after a few tries, it may need to be towed out. If
your vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 258.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight or maximum load amount
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo,
and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on
your vehicle show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information
label and the Certification label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
249
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill
the tank and wait a few seconds after you have
finished pumping before removing the nozzle.
Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon
as possible. SeeWashing Your Vehicle on
page 349.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until
it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off or improperly installed.
This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 180.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow
of fuel by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant. Leave the
area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure
to get the right type. Your dealer can get
one for you. If you get the wrong type, it
may not t properly. This may cause your
malfunction indicator lamp to light and
may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 180.
271
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 281.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 277.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 277.
D. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 299andHydraulic
Clutch on page 286.
E. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 283.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling
System on page 292.
G. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 361.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 297.
I. Battery. SeeBattery on page 303.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 298.Engine Oil
If the engine oil
pressure light comes
on, check the engine oil
level right away.
The oil pressure light is on the instrument panel
cluster for sedans. SeeOil Pressure Light on
page 169. For hatchbacks, the oil pressure light is
on the Secondary Information Center (SIC).
SeeOil Pressure Light on page 184. You should
check the engine oil level regularly; this is an
added reminder.
277
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the engine air cleaner/filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) and replace it every
30,000 miles (50 000 km). If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter remove the
filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter
to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains
caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:
1. Remove the screws and lift off the cover.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
3. Put the cover back on tightly and tighten
the screws.
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 374for replacement intervals.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/ lter off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air; it helps to stop ames if
the engine back res. If it is not there and
the engine back res, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/ lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/ lter is off, a back re
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/ lter in
place when you are driving.
282
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for five years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever
occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 290.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at
the rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in
your vehicle.
287
So, it is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If
you add fluid when the linings are worn, then you
will have too much fluid when you get new
brake linings. You should add or remove brake
fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it
can spill on the engine. The uid will burn
if the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake and/or clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 163.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3
brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 396.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
300