24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation alsoreduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, and an audible chime will
be activated when one or more tire pressures is low. The
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lamp will flash on and
off for 60 seconds when a system fault is detected. The
flash cycle will repeat every ten minutes or until the fault
condition is removed and reset.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 193
4
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
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed either on
the face of the driver’s door or on the driver’s side “B”
pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than themaximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
294 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale lamp.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
STARTING AND OPERATING 321
5
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
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, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, 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 hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............188,271
Adding Fuel........................... 314
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 372
Air Conditioner Maintenance............230,375
Air Conditioning........................ 230
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 242
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 234
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............375,377
Air Conditioning System................230,375
AirFilter .....................360,361,362,372
Air Pressure, Tires....................294,303
Airbag............................. 51,194
Airbag Light.......................... 59,73
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 17,188
Alignment and Balance................... 302
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 226
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........382,383,417Disposal............................ 384
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............271,275
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 188
Anti-Theft System..................... 17,188
Appearance Care........................ 393
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
AutomaticDimmingMirror ............... 80,83
Automatic Door Locks..................... 28
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Transaxle.................... 12,254
Automatic Transmission.............251,254,389
Adding Fluid......................... 389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 390
Fluid Level Check...................... 389
FluidType ........................390,419
Gear Ranges.......................... 254
Special Additives...................... 391
Torque Converter...................... 258
AxleFluid ............................. 419
458 INDEX