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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 211 of 467
COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER — IF
EQUIPPED
This feature, located on the instrument cluster (speedom-
eter and tachometer), displays information on outside
temperature, compass direction, and trip information.The compass/trip computer, when the appropriate con-
ditions exist, will show the following messages in the
odometer display:
•Door Ajar (door)
•Swing Gate Ajar (gATE)
•Loose Fuel Cap (gASCAP)
•IOD Fuse (noFUSE)
•ESP Off (ESPOFF)
These messages can be manually turned off by pressing
the right button (on the instrument cluster).
Control Buttons
Press and release the left button (on the instrument
cluster) to access the computer displays.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
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Page 263 of 467

▫Radial-Ply Tires......................312
▫Tire Spinning........................312
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................312
▫Life Of Tire.........................313
▫Replacement Tires.....................314
▫Alignment And Balance.................315
Tire Chains...........................315
Tire Rotation Recommendations............316
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................317
▫Base System — If Equipped..............318
▫General Information...................321
Fuel Requirements......................321▫Reformulated Gasoline.................322
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............322
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................323
▫Materials Added To Fuel................323
▫Fuel System Cautions..................324
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............324
Adding Fuel..........................325
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............325
Vehicle Loading........................328
▫Certification Label.....................328
Trailer Towing.........................330
▫Common Towing Definitions.............330
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............334
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
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Page 325 of 467
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the swing gate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement
cap is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Cap
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Page 326 of 467
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem 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 Indicator
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 “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 327 of 467
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.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
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Page 329 of 467

Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
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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