Page 208 of 467

24. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” may flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
This indicator light starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 267 of 467
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
Refer to Section 6 of this manual for proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5
Page 324 of 467

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system.
•An 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.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is 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 is 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:
•Do 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
324 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 361 of 467
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 3.8L...............364
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........365
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............366
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................366
Replacement Parts......................368
Dealer Service.........................368
Maintenance Procedures..................369
▫Engine Oil..........................369▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 372
▫Spark Plugs.........................373
▫Catalytic Converter....................373
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........375
▫Fuel Filter..........................375
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................375
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................376
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............376
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............377
7
Page 373 of 467

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Information” label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7
Page 374 of 467

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 451 of 467

Battery............................... 376
Emergency Starting..................... 356
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Belts, Drive............................ 372
Belts, Seat.............................. 37
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 378
Brake Assist System...................... 108
Brake Assist Warning Light................. 209
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 107
Brake System........................... 386
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................107,296
Hoses.............................. 386
Master Cylinder....................... 387
Parking............................. 295
Warning Light........................ 204
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 275
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 77
Bulb Replacement.....................408,409Capacities, Fluid........................ 412
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 325
Power Steering........................ 377
Car Washes............................ 394
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 324
Cargo Light............................ 97
Catalytic Converter...................... 373
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 78
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 251
Cellular Phone.......................... 252
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 411
Certification Label....................... 328
Chains, Tire............................ 315
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 352
Charging System Light.................... 202
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 301
INDEX 451
10
Page 452 of 467

Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............208,366
Child Restraint....................64,65,71,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Seat.............................. 69
Climate Control......................... 252
Clock...........................219,235,246
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 251
Compass.............................. 211
Compass Calibration..................... 213
Console............................... 118
Console, Floor.......................... 118
Contract, Service........................ 442
Converter, Catalytic...................... 373
Cooling System......................... 380
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 382
Coolant Capacity...................... 412
Coolant Level......................... 384
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 383Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 381
Inspection........................... 380
Points to Remember.................... 384
Pressure Cap......................... 383
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........381,412
Temperature Gauge..................... 205
Corrosion Protection..................... 393
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 375
Cruise Light........................... 205
Cup Holder............................ 117
Customer Assistance..................... 440
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 101
Dealer Service.......................... 368
Defroster, Rear Window................... 195
Defroster, Windshield...............253,255,256
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 365
452 INDEX