Page 391 of 479
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart/liter of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the SAFE zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 400 of 479

WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oils and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
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Page 412 of 479

least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7
Page 462 of 479

Cooling System......................... 402
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 404
Coolant Capacity...................... 436
Coolant Level......................402,406
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 406
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 403
Inspection........................... 406
Points to Remember.................... 406
Pressure Cap......................... 405
Radiator Cap......................... 405
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......403,436,437
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 156
Cup Holder............................ 189
Customer Assistance..................... 449
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 148
Dealer Service.......................... 389Defroster, Rear Window................... 265
Defroster, Windshield................76,251,257
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 152
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 386
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........217,220
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 204
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 410
Oil (Engine).......................... 390
Power Steering........................ 398
Disarming, Theft System................... 19
Disc Brakes............................ 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 406
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 170
Door Opener, Garage..................... 176
Drive Belts............................ 393
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 400
INDEX 461
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