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
7
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F ( 21°C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
390 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
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
SCHEDULE “B” 425
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 392
BallJoints ............................. 377
Battery.......................360,361,362,374
Charging............................ 353
Emergency Starting..................... 353
Gas Caution.......................... 353
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 132
Belts,Drive ............................ 371
Belts, Seat.............................. 39
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 378
B-Pillar Location........................ 289
Brake Assist System...................... 276
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 275
Brake Fluid............................ 419
Brake System........................271,387
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................271,275
Disc Brakes.......................... 387Fluid Check.......................... 387
Hoses.............................. 388
Master Cylinder....................... 387
Parking............................. 269
Warning Light.....................188,191
Brakes............................... 271
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 254
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 408
Bulbs,Light ............................ 407
Calibration, Compass..................... 158
Capacities, Fluid........................ 417
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 314
Oil (Engine).......................... 369
Power Steering........................ 377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 383
Car Washes............................ 393
INDEX 459
10
Pressure Cap......................... 383
Radiator Cap......................... 383
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......382,417,418
Temperature Gauge..................... 185
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 143
CupHolder ............................ 173
Customer Assistance..................... 448
Data Recorder, Event...................... 60
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 366
Defroster, Rear Window................... 246
Defroster, Windshield................ 73,232,238
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 138
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 363
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 186
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Oil (Engine).......................... 367Power Steering........................ 377
Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disc Brakes............................ 387
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 384
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 160
DriveBelts ............................ 371
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 223
E-85 Fuel............................. 317
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 169
Electronic Brake Control System............. 275
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 143
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........191,279
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 152
INDEX 461
10
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 344
Turn Signal.....................135,185,409
Flat Tire Stowage.....................346,352
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 319
Engine Oil........................... 318
Fuel Requirements..................317,318
Maintenance.......................... 319
Replacement Parts..................... 319
Starting............................. 318
Flooded Engine Starting................... 252
Floor Console.......................172,174
Fluid, Brake.........................387,419
Fluid Capacities......................... 417
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Brake............................... 387
Engine Oil........................... 367Power Steering........................ 377
Transfer Case......................... 391
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 418
Fog Lights..........................135,415
Folding Rear Seat..................... 117,120
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 344
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 284
FrontAxle(Differential) ................... 392
Fuel................................. 310
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 314
Filter ............................... 372
Gauge.............................. 185
Octane Rating......................310,418
Requirements......................310,417
Tank Capacity........................ 417
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 316
INDEX 463
10
Traction Control....................... 279
Turn Signal........................135,409
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 185
Loading Vehicle......................... 320
Tires ............................... 289
Locks................................. 27
Automatic Door........................ 28
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
Ignition.............................. 13
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubricating Oil......................... 392
Lubrication, Body....................... 378
Lug Nuts............................. 350
Luggage Carrier......................... 175Lumbar Support........................ 110
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 374
Maintenance Procedures................... 366
Maintenance Schedule.................... 422
Schedule “A”......................... 440
Schedule “B”......................... 425
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 192,364
Manual, Service......................... 452
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 419
Map/Reading Lights..................... 151
Memory Seat........................... 124
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming................... 80,83
Electric Powered....................... 81
Heated.............................. 83
Memory............................. 124
Outside.............................. 81
INDEX 467
10