Page 296 of 380

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
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 engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed 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. Maintain
the oil level in the ªSAFEº range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the ªSAFEº
range will result in an oil level at the top of the ªSAFEº
range on these engines.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7
Page 304 of 380

WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7
Page 369 of 380

Oil Filler Cap........................ 297
Oil Selection......................297,331
Overheating......................... 276
Temperature Gauge................... 136
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Ethanol.............................. 254
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...........30,57,58,256,306
Exhaust System......................57,306
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 65
Exterior Lighting........................ 93
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Air Conditioning..................195,303
Engine Fuel......................... 299
Engine Oil.......................298,332
Engine Oil Disposal................... 298
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 276
Turn Signal........................96,137
Flash-To-Pass........................... 96
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 205Floor Console.......................... 118
Fluid Capacities........................ 331
Fluid Leaks............................ 59
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 313
Cooling System....................... 307
Engine Oil.......................... 295
Power Steering....................... 304
Fluids............................... 332
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 332
Fog Lights..........................95,138
Folding Rear Seat....................... 91
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 285
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 304
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 315
Fuel................................. 253
Adding............................. 257
Clean Air........................... 254
Ethanol............................. 254
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 257
Filter.............................. 299
Gasoline............................ 253
Gauge............................. 135
368 INDEX