Page 264 of 395
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
All tires should be replaced after six years, regard-
less of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this
warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could
lose control and have an accident resulting in serious
injury.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 268 of 395

The following9warnings9will cause a text message to be
displayed, an audible chime to sound, and the ªTire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Lightº to illuminate. The
audible chime will occur once every ignition cycle for
each9warning9detected. The ªTire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Lightº will illuminate continuously (solid) and
shall remain illuminated until the warning condition is
removed/reset.
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages.LEFT FRONT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT FRONT,
RIGHT REAR LOW PRESSURE
One or more of these messages will be displayed in the
EVIC if a low tire pressure condition exists in one or more
tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once the
proper tire pressure has been set, the TPMS will reset
automatically when the vehicle has been driven for at
least 2 minutes at or above 15 mph (24 km/h).
CHECK TPM SYSTEM
See your authorized dealer when this message appears in
the EVIC. This message indicates that a system fault
condition has been detected.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 273 of 395

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of theseproducts contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5
Page 275 of 395
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel cap
(gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-
market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indica-
tor Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping
from the system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5
Page 276 of 395

NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCHECK GASCAPº message will be displayed in theEVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Centerº in Section 4 of
this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap until a ªclickingº
sound is heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler
cap is properly tightened. Refer to ªOnboard Diagnostic
System Ð OBDIIº in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 287 of 395
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5
Page 325 of 395

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate 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 a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hoseshould be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
7
Page 378 of 395

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............173,245
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 320
Adding Fuel........................... 274
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 165
Additives, Fuel......................... 272
Adjustable Pedals....................... 126
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 313
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 228
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 314
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 260
Airbag................................ 43
Airbag Deployment....................... 50
Airbag Light.......................52,66,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 51
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,174
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 266
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 218Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............319,346
Disposal............................ 321
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............131,245
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 173
Anti-Theft System.....................18,174
Appearance Care........................ 329
Auto Down Power Windows................ 30
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 74
Automatic Door Locks..................... 27
Automatic Headlights..................... 115
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 222
Automatic Transmission.............239,327,328
Adding Fluid......................... 328
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 328
Fluid Change......................... 328
Fluid Level Check...................... 327
Autostick............................. 241
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 155
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 155
378 INDEX