Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely beforedriving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•
Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
7
9. Pull the bulb out of the socket assembly.
10. Push the replacement bulb into the socket assembly.
11. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the tail
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
12. Reinstall the tail light assembly, fasteners, electrical
connector, and trunk liner.
13. Close the trunk.
License Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly.
3. Pull the bulb out of the socket assembly.
4 — Backup Light Bulb
1 — License Light Bulb
2 — Socket 312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 211
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 289
Adding Fuel.......................... 249
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,106,285
Adjustable Pedals....................... 108
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 279
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 282
Air Conditioning Filter................189,283
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 190
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........282,283
Air Conditioning System..............183,282
Air Pressure, Tires...................141,230
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment.................... 42,44
Airbag Light.................... 43,46,58,137
Airbag Maintenance...................... 45
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 38,43
Alarm (Security Alarm).................. 140
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 15
Alignment and Balance.................. 235
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 179
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........288,289,313
Disposal............................ 290
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......... 211,214
Anti-Lock Warning Light..............137,213
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 15
Anti-Theft System...................... 140
Appearance Care....................... 296
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................. 22,23
Automatic Headlights.................... 95
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 183
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 295
Automatic Transmission............203,294,295
Adding Fluid.....................295,315
Autostick ........................... 207
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 295
Fluid Change........................ 295
Fluid Level Check..................... 294
FluidType .......................... 315
346 INDEX
Rear Folding......................... 89
Reclining ............................ 86
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 15,140
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........288,314
Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................. 12
Service Assistance...................... 338
Service Contract........................ 340
Service Engine Soon Light
(MalfunctionIndicator) .................. 143
Service Manuals........................ 341
Setting the Clock.................157,160,171
Settings, Personal....................... 153
Shifting.............................. 199
Automatic Transmission.............199,203
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 34
Shoulder Belts.......................... 30
Side Airbag............................ 43
Signals, Turn........................ 98,136
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 209
SmartBeams............................ 96
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 235
Snow Tires............................ 236
Spark Plugs........................... 278Speed Control (Cruise Control)............. 109
Speedometer.......................... 136
Starting.............................. 196
Automatic Transmission................ 197
Engine Fails to Start................... 197
Starting and Operating................... 196
Starting Procedures..................... 196
Steering
Column Controls...................... 98
Linkage............................ 284
Power...........................213,284
TiltColumn ......................... 107
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 107
Steering Wheel Mounted
Sound System Controls.................. 179
Storage ...........................127,306
Storage, Vehicle.....................188,306
StoringYourVehicle ..................... 306
Sun Roof............................. 121
Sunglasses Storage...................... 115
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 38
System, Navigation..................... 170
INDEX 357
10
Tachometer........................... 137
Telescoping Steering Column.............. 107
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 183
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......139,257
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 50
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 15
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 15
Tilt Steering Column.................... 107
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 225
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 224
Tire Markings......................... 220
Tire Safety Information................... 220
TIREFIT.............................. 257
Tires ........................... 58,229,343
Aging(LifeofTires) ................... 233
Air Pressure......................... 229
Alignment.......................... 235
Chains............................. 235
General Information................... 229
High Speed......................... 231
Inflation Pressures.................... 230
LifeofTires ......................... 233
Load Capacity....................225,226Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 239
Quality Grading...................... 343
Radial............................. 232
Replacement......................... 234
Rotation ............................ 237
Safety ...........................220,229
Sizes ............................... 222
Snow Tires.......................... 236
Spinning ............................ 232
TreadWearIndicators .................. 233
Towing .............................. 254
Behind a Motor Home................. 254
Disabled Vehicle...................... 266
Recreational......................... 254
Trailering ........................... 254
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 254
Traction Control........................ 215
TrailerTowing ......................... 254
Transmission.......................... 294
Automatic ........................203,294
Fluid .............................. 315
Shifting............................ 199
358 INDEX
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 19
Transmitter, Garage Door
Opener (HomeLink) .................... 116
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 19
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 17
Transporting Pets........................ 55
TreadWearIndicators ................... 233
Trip Odometer......................... 140
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 29
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 28
Turn Signals........................ 98,136
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone)............ 66
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 343
Universal Transmitter.................... 116
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 246
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt............. 35
VanityMirrors .......................... 65
Variance, Compass...................... 149
Vehicle Certification Label................ 252Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).......... 6
Vehicle Loading..................226,252,253
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................188,306
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)......... 15
Video Entertainment System
(Rear Seat Video System)................. 174
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 256
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description)............ 136
WarningsandCautions .................... 6
WarrantyInformation .................... 340
Washer, Adding Fluid..............104,106,285
Washers, Headlight..................... 105
Washers, Windshield.................102,285
Washing Vehicle........................ 296
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 235
Wheel and Wheel Trim................... 297
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 297
Wheel Bearings........................ 295
WindBuffeting ...................... 27,123
Window Airbag (Side Curtain)............ 38,43
INDEX 359
10