
The dipstick handle has
this graphic. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 500for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, and then pull out the
dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the
way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back
out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. Repeat the check procedure to
verify the reading.5. Safe operating level is within the HOT
crosshatch band on the dipstick. If the
uid level is not within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is between 160°F
and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add or drain uid
as necessary to bring the level into the
HOT band. If the uid level is low, add only
enough uid to bring the level into the
HOT band. It does not take much uid,
generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do not
over ll.
6. If the uid level is in the acceptable range,
push the dipstick back in all the way, then
ip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
513

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant condition, can
indicate a serious problem.
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.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on
page 447.If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE message with no sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn
it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest
fan speed and open the windows as
necessary.
3. If you are stopped in a traffic jam, apply the
brake, shift to NEUTRAL (N); otherwise, shift to
the highest gear while driving — DRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for
about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come
back on, you can drive normally.
519

If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park
your vehicle immediately.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle
has an engine-driven cooling fan, push down
the accelerator until the engine speed is about
twice as fast as normal idle speed for at least
ve minutes while you are parked.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle
has an electric cooling fan, idle the engine for
ve minutes while you are parked.
If you still have the warning, turn off the engine
and get everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and
the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message
is displayed, an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will
notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating mode, to avoid
engine damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will be
severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant
loss, change the oil and reset the oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 502.
520

Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan,
when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins
faster to provide more air to cool the engine. In
most everyday driving conditions, the fan is
spinning slower and the clutch is not fully engaged.
This improves fuel economy and reduces fan
noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages, so you
may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is
merely the cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional cooling is
not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch
partially disengages.If your vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may
hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling
is required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing, and/or high outside temperatures, or if you
are operating your air conditioning system, the fans
may change to high speed and you may hear an
increase in fan noise. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when additional
cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 500for
reservoir location.
526

If your vehicle has dual
rear wheels and the
tread design for the front
tires is different from
the dual rear tires,
always use the correct
rotation pattern
shown here when
rotating your tires.
The dual tires are rotated as a pair, and the inside
rear tires become the outside rear tires.
When you install dual wheels, be sure the vent
holes in the inner and outer wheels on each side
are lined up.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear in ation pressures as shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 427.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Speci cations on page 620.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When
you change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt
off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 580.
570

Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual
wheels and has a tire size other than
P265/65R18, P275/55R20 or LT265/70R17, use
tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use chains that are the proper size
for your tires. Install them on the tires of
the rear axle. Do not use chains on the tires of
the front axle. Tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. If you can hear the chains
contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage your
vehicle.If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you
should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well out
of the traffic lane.
579

3. Insert the hoist end
(open end) (F) of the
extension through
the hole (G) in
the rear bumper.
Be sure the hoist end of the extension (F)
connects to the hoist shaft (E). The ribbed
square end of the extension is used to lower
the spare tire.
4. Turn the wheel wrench (H) counterclockwise
to lower the spare tire to the ground. Continue
to turn the wheel wrench until the spare tire
can be pulled out from under the vehicle.
If the spare tire does not lower to the ground,
the secondary latch is engaged causing
the tire not to lower. SeeSecondary Latch
System on page 592.5. Use the wheel
wrench hook which
allows you to
pull the hoist cable
towards you to
assist in reaching
the spare tire.
6. Tilt the retainer (D)
at the end of the
cable (C) when the
tire has been
lowered, so it can
be pulled up through
the wheel opening.
7. Put the spare tire near the at tire.
585