1. To remove the panel that covers the radiator
cap, detach fasteners and lift off panel.
2. Remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise about one full turn.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.3. Keep turning the
pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller
neck. SeeEngine Coolant on page 406
for more information about the proper coolant
mixture.
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5. Fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
COLD mark.
6. Reinstall the cap on the coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.7. Start the engine and let it run until you can
feel the upper radiator hose getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan.
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the
radiator ller neck may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture through the ller neck until the
level reaches the base of the ller neck.
Replace the pressure cap.
At any time during this procedure if coolant begins
to ow out of the ller neck, reinstall the pressure
cap. Be sure to secure it tightly.
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Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines
and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with
genuine parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and
wiper blades, if contaminated. Replace wiper
blades that are worn or damaged. See Windshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on page 434and
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades on
page 484for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also
look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The airbag
system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring
anchor and release pawl, hood and door hinges,
rear folding seats, and liftgate hinges. More
frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak.
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(g)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired and the fluid level checked. Add fluid
if needed.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F
(32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or
delivery service.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system.
This service can be complex; you should have
your dealer/retailer perform this service. See
Engine Coolant on page 406 for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.(j)Check system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control cables.
(k)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage. Replace belt if
necessary.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals speci ed to help ensure
the safety, dependability, and emission control
performance of your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer
can assist you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed
at once. Whenever any uids or lubricants are
added to your vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 511.
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