Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
2
12. 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 is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, 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 signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat andcan lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces 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.
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........253
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........254
mTires Ð General Information...............258
NRun Flat Tires........................258
NTire Pressure.........................258
NTire Inflation Pressures.................260
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation....261
NRadial-Ply Tires......................262
NTire Spinning........................263
NTread Wear Indicators..................263
NLife Of Tire.........................264
NReplacement Tires.....................265
NAlignment And Balance.................266mTire Rotation Recommendations............266
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........266
NPremium System......................266
NGeneral Information...................270
mFuel Requirements......................270
NReformulated Gasoline.................271
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............271
NMMT In Gasoline.....................272
NMaterials Added To Fuel................272
NFuel System Cautions..................273
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............273
mAdding Fuel..........................274
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............274
232 STARTING AND OPERATING
1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
²Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
²Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
Always drive with each tire properly inflated.
2. EconomyÐ
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 StabilityÐ
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5
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:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This 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
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality pre-
mium unleaded gasoline having an octane
rating of 91 or higher.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of ªpremiumº gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer's specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7
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
Battery............................... 312
Emergency Starting..................... 293
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 114
Bearings.............................. 329
Belts, Drive............................ 309
Belts, Seat.............................. 35
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 316
B-Pillar Location........................ 254
Brake Assist System...................... 132
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 131
Brake System........................... 324
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................131,245
Fluid Check.......................... 325
Hoses.............................. 324
Parking............................. 244
Warning Light........................ 172
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 238
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 64Bulb Replacement.....................340,341
Camera, Rear........................... 143
Capacities, Fluid........................ 346
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 274
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 321
Car Washes............................ 330
Carbon Monoxide Warning............65,146,273
Cargo Area Cover....................... 159
Cargo Area Features...................... 158
Cargo Compartment...................... 158
Light............................... 158
Cargo Light............................ 158
Cargo Load Floor........................ 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 161
Catalytic Converter...................... 310
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 146
CD (Compact Disc) Player................. 195
INDEX 379
10