Page 347 of 457
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Maintaining
Your Vehicle in Section 7 Maintenance Schedule in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
information and intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5
Page 360 of 457

NOTE:When reinstalling the wheel center cap, insure
that the valve stem symbol on the back of the cap is
pointed toward the wheel valve stem. Install the center
cap using hand pressure only. Do not use a hammer.
Wheel Nuts
All wheel nuts should be tightened occasionally to elimi-
nate the possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the
bolt holes in the wheels becoming elongated. This is
especially important during the first few hundred miles
of operation, and after each time a tire is changed, to
allow the wheel nuts to become properly set. All nuts
should first be firmly seated against the wheel. The nuts
should then be tightened to recommended torque.
Tighten the nuts to final torque in increments. Progress
around the bolt circle, tightening the nut opposite to the
nut just previously tightened until final torque is
achieved. Recommended torque is 130 N´m (95 ft. lbs).
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission 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 another vehicle. This type of start can be danger-
ous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to
touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush
contaminated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the
hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on.
You can be hurt by the fan.
360 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 361 of 457

When jump starting, proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery andthen to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 361
6
Page 365 of 457
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLY
The manufacturerdoes not recommendthat you tow an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or front wheel drive vehicle on a
tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 365
6
Page 368 of 457

NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........385
NSteering Shaft Seal....................385
NSteering Linkage......................386
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............386
NBody Lubrication.....................386
NWindshield Wiper Blades................387
NWindshield And Rear Window Washers.....387
NExhaust System......................388
NCooling System.......................389
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......394
NBrakes.............................394
NMaster Cylinder Ð Brake Fluid Level Check . . 396
NFuel System Hoses....................397NAutomatic Transmission................398
NAll Wheel Drive (AWD) Ð If Equipped.....400
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........401
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................401
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 406
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........407
mVehicle Storage........................410
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................411
mBulb Replacement......................412
NHeadlights..........................412
NHigh Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) Ð
If Equipped.........................413
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 372 of 457

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 398 of 457

Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transmissions are equipped with a conven-
tional filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should
be added through the dipstick hole in the case.
The dipstick is located just behind the radiator, lower
right side.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsfor correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 399 of 457

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80ÉF (27ÉC).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked ªHOTº (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked ªCOLDº.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7