Tire Chains...........................303
Snow Tires...........................304
Tire Rotation Recommendations............305
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................306
▫Base System – If Equipped...............307
▫General Information...................309
Fuel Requirements......................310
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................311
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............311
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................312
▫Materials Added To Fuel................312
▫Fuel System Cautions..................313▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............314
Adding Fuel..........................314
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............314
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............316
Flexible Fuel..........................317
▫E-85 General Information................317
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................317
▫Fuel Requirements....................318
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.............318
▫Starting............................318
▫Cruising Range.......................319
▫Replacement Parts.....................319
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
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