5-17 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
BrakesBrake Fluid
809919
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. Refer to
“Engine Compartment Overview” in this
section for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir might go down.
The first is that the brake fluid goes down
to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other rea-
son is that fluid is leaking out of the brake
system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to top off your
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid will not cor-rect a leak. If you add fluid when your lin-
ings are worn, then you will have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You
should add or remove brake fluid, as nec-
essary, only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level,
your brake warning light will come on.
Refer to “Brake System Warning Light” in
“Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators” in
the “Instrument Panel” section.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid. Use new brake fluid
from a sealed container only. Refer to
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in
“Maintenance Schedule” in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” section.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before remov-
ing it. This will help keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
CAUTION
When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage your
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water
does not clean as well as washer
fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very
cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could dam-
age the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (anti-
freeze) in your windshield washer.
It can damage your washer system
and paint.
WARNING
If your vehicle has too much brake
fluid, it can spill on the engine. The
fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
5-28 SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE
78J00-03E
C. Aspect Ratio:
A two-digit number that indicates the
tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the
tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
D. Construction Code:
A letter code is used to indicate the
type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply construction.
E. Rim Diameter:
Diameter of the wheel in inches.
F. Service Description:
These characters represent the load
range and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the load
carry capacity a tire is certified to
carry. The load index can range from
1 to 279. The speed rating is the max-
imum speed a tire is certified to carry
a load. Speed ratings range from A to
Z.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure:
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:
This means the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic trans-
mission/transaxle, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:
The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead:
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Bias Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:
The amount of air pressure in a tire, mea-
sured in pounds per square inch (psi) orkilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. Refer to “Inflation – Tire
Pressure” in this section.
Curb Weight:
This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufac-
turer, production plant, brand, and date of
production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Refer to
“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your Driving,
the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving
Your Vehicle” section.
GAWR FRT:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle. Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in
“Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle”
in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.
GAWR RR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle.
Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your
6-3 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
Scheduled Maintenance except CANADA
Service Instruction Maintenance I Maintenance II
Change engine oil and filter. Change engine oil and filter if the light/message has not come on
at all for one year.
Refer to “Engine Oil” in “Checking Things Under the Hood” in the
“Service and Appearance Care” section.
••
Reset oil life system.
An Emission Control Service. If the system is ever reset accidentally, perform the maintenance
service within 3000 miles (5000 km) since your last service.
Refer to “Engine Oil Life System” in “Checking Things Under the
Hood” in the “Service and Appearance Care” section.
Visually check for any leaks or
damage. 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.••
Rotate tires and check infla-
tion pressures and wear. Rotate tires every 5000 to 8000 miles (8000 to 13000 km).
Refer to “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in “Tires” in the “Service
and Appearance Care” section and “At Least Once a Month” in
this section.••
Inspect brake system. Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, bind-
ing, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks (if equipped).
Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, cali-
pers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment.••
Check engine coolant and
windshield washer fluid levels
and add fluid as needed.••
Perform any needed addi-
tional services. Refer to “Additional Required Services except CANADA” in this
section.••
6-7 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
Service InstructionMiles (Kilometers)
25000
(40000)50000
(80000)75000
(120000)100000
(160000)125000
(200000)150000
(240000)
Engine cooling system service (or
every five years, whichever occurs
first). An Emission Control Ser-
vice. Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system.
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer
perform this service.
Refer to “Engine Coolant” in
“Checking Things Under the
Hood” in the “Service and
Appearance Care” section for
what to use.
Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pres-
sure cap, and filler neck.
Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.•
Inspect engine accessory drive
belt. An Emission Control Service. Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage.
Replace belt if necessary.•
6-8 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
For CANADA Scheduled Maintenance
Service Instruction Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter. Change engine oil and filter if the light/message has not come on at all for 10
months.
Refer to “Engine Oil” in “Checking Things Under the Hood” in the “Service and
Appearance Care” section.
•
Reset oil life system.
An Emission Control Service. If the system is ever reset accidentally, perform the maintenance service within
5000 km since your last service.
Refer to “Engine Oil Life System” in “Checking Things Under the Hood” in the “Ser-
vice and Appearance Care” section.
Visually check for any leaks or
damage. 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.•
Rotate tires and check infla-
tion pressures and wear. Rotate tires every 8000 to 13000 km.
Refer to “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in “Tires” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section and “At Least Once a Month” in this section.•
Inspect brake system. 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 drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks (if equipped).
Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking
brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment.•
Check engine coolant and
windshield washer fluid levels
and add fluid as needed.•
Perform any needed addi-
tional services. Refer to “Additional Required Services (For CANADA)” in this section.•
6-12 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
Service InstructionKilometers
40000 80000 120000 160000 200000 240000
Engine cooling system service (or
every five years, whichever occurs
first). An Emission Control Ser-
vice. Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system.
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer
perform this service.
Refer to “Engine Coolant” in
“Checking Things Under the
Hood” in the “Service and
Appearance Care” section for
what to use.
Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pres-
sure cap, and filler neck.
Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.•
Inspect engine accessory drive
belt. An Emission Control Service. Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage.
Replace belt if necessary.•
6-13 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
Owner Checks and ServicesThese owner checks and services should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability, and emission
control performance of your vehicle. Your dealer can assist you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in this section.
Check and Service Instruction Timing
Engine oil level check
Refer to “At Each Fuel Fill” in this section At each fuel fill Engine coolant level check
Windshield washer fluid level check
Tire inflation check
Refer to “At Least Once a Month” in this section At least once a month
Tire wear inspection
Starter switch check
Refer to “At Least Once a Year” in this section At least once a year Autimatic transaxle shift lock control system
check
Ignition transaxle lock check
Parking brake and automatic transaxle park (P)
mechanism check
Underbody flushing service
6-14 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
78J00-03E
At Each Fuel FillIt is important to perform these underhood
checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the
proper oil if necessary. Refer to “Engine
Oil” in “Checking Things Under the Hood”
in the “Service and Appearance Care” sec-
tion for further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL
® coolant mixture if necessary.
Refer to “Engine Coolant” in “Checking
Things Under the Hood” in the “Service
and Appearance Care” section for further
details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir and
add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a MonthTire Inflation Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and
make sure they are inflated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check the
spare tire. Open the driver’s door to find
the Tire Information Placard which lists the
recommended tire inflation pressures.
Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Refer to “Changing a Flat Tire” in
“Tires” in the “Service and Appearance
Care” section.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mile-
age highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil
Life System service notification. Check the
tires for wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. Refer to “Tire Inspection and Rota-
tion” in “Tires” in the “Service and Appear-
ance Care” section.
At Least Once a YearStarter Switch Check
1) Before you start, be sure you have
enough room around the vehicle.
2) Firmly apply both the parking brake and
the regular brake. Refer to “Parking
Brake” in “Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle” in the “Features and Controls”
section.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and
be ready to turn off the engine immedi-
ately if it starts.
3) Try to start the engine in each gear.
The vehicle should start only in PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle
starts in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
CAUTION
It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper
level. Failure to keep the engine oil at
the proper level can cause damage to
the engine not covered by your war-
ranty.
WARNING
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly. If
the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.