Page 65 of 358
Periodic 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 for
proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of 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,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
NOTE:Use of the air conditioning may cause puddles
of water to form under the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
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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 and
can 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.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 169 of 358
NReplacement Tires.....................213
NAlignment And Balance.................214
mTire Pressure Monitor System..............214
NGeneral Information...................218
mTire Chains...........................219
mOriginal Equipment Tires.................220
mSnow Tires...........................220
mTire Rotation Recommendations............221
mFuel Requirements......................222
NReformulated Gasoline.................223NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............223
NMMT In Gasoline.....................224
NMaterials Added To Fuel................224
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................224
mAdding Fuel..........................225
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............225
mVehicle Loading........................227
NRoof Luggage Rack....................228
mTrailer Towing.........................229
STARTING AND OPERATING 167
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Economy
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. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both underinflation and overinflation 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.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either
the face of the driver's door or the driver's side B-pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted, as well as
inspected for signs of tire wear or visible damage, at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 217 of 358
as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure,
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduced 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 indicator light.
The TPMS uses wireless technology to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each wheel as part of
the valve stem transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located inside the vehicle.NOTE:The TPMS can inform you about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. The TPMS is not intended to provide you
with notification of rapid tire pressure loss.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
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²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a single click. This
is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if the gas cap
is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A 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 outside the vehicle while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is in the
following chart and on the tire pressure label attached to
the driver door pillar.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Cargo Capacity (with two persons).... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 415lbs(188 kg)
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
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At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. See the procedure
described in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under En-
gine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section. Add
oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Inspect wiper blade condition.
²Check operation of lighting systems.
²Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 327
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Page 344 of 358

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 134
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 282
Adding Fuel........................... 225
Aiming Headlights....................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 269
Air Conditioning.....................155,273
Air Conditioning Filter.................... 329
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 273
Air Conditioning System.................. 273
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 208
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................... 40
Airbag Light.........................38,140
Airbag Maintenance....................... 50
Airbag On/Off Switch...................47,53
Alignment and Balance................... 214
Antenna.............................. 154
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 315
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 134Appearance Care........................ 290
Ashtrays and Lighter...................... 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Transmission................174,288
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 289
Fluid Level Check...................... 288
Fluid Type........................... 288
Special Additives...................... 290
Autostick............................. 178
Ball Joints............................. 275
Battery............................135,271
Saving Feature (Protection)................ 95
Belts, Drive............................ 268
Belts, Seat.............................. 26
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 276
B-Pillar Location........................ 203
Brake Assist System...................... 108
Brake, Parking.......................... 185
342 INDEX