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To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:
1. Remove the four screws that hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Put the cover back on tightly and tighten
the screws.
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 358for 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.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
the dealership service department and have it
repaired as soon as possible. You may also have
your fluid level checked by your dealer or
service center when you have your oil changed.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid
labeled other than ESSO LT71141 or
TOTAL ATF H50235 may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use ESSO LT71141
or TOTAL ATF H50235 labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for
fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
the dealership service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 382
for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
There is one reservoir for both the brake and the
hydraulic clutch fluid. SeeBrakes on page 281
for more information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The master cylinder reservoir
is filled with hydraulic fluid.
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It is not necessary to regularly check the fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often you should check the fluid level in
your master cylinder reservoir and for the proper
fluid. SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services
on page 374andPart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 382.
How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless
you suspect a clutch problem. To check the
fluid level, look on the side of the reservoir. If the
fluid reaches the MAX (A) mark on the reservoir,
the fluid level is correct. The reservoir is
located near the back of the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 258for
more information on location.
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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 271.
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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water
and one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will
not damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant
mixture, you do not need to add anything else.
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{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. Your engine
could catch re and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant
mixture, your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost would not be
covered by your warranty. Too much water
in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a
year, have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or
additives in your vehicle’s cooling system,
you could damage your vehicle. Use only the
proper mixture of the engine coolant listed
in this manual for the cooling system.
SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 382for more information.
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Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear
of the engine compartment on the driver’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 258for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when
the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and radiator are hot.
To check the engine coolant, the vehicle must be
on a level surface. When your engine is cold,
the coolant level should be between the
Maximum (A) and Minimum (B) marks on the
coolant surge tank. The level rises at engine
operation temperature and drops again when the
engine cools down.
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Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the coolant surge
tank, but only when the engine is cool. If the
coolant surge tank is empty, a special fill
procedure is necessary. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 271for instructions on “How to Add
Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank.”
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on
hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 171.
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If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can
burn you badly, even if you just open the
hood. Stay away from the engine if you
see or hear steam coming from it.
Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned.
Stop your engine if it overheats, and get
out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because
you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle
can be badly damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:
•Climb a long hill on a hot day.
•Stop after high-speed driving.
•Idle for long periods in traffic.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to do
so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest
fan speed and open the windows as
necessary.
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