Page 371 of 494

CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains
in NEUTRAL.
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flat bed towing
is the preferred towing method. However, if a flat bed
towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used. Furthermore, rear towing is not
recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as
transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only
alternative, a front end dolly must be used. Proper
towing equipment is necessary 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
6
Page 372 of 494

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLY
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
Without Power — Override Transaxle Interlock
System
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/transaxle
interlock system. There is an override system that allows
you to shift out of PARK in case of loss of power. To
activate the override system:
•Firmly apply the parking brake.
•Insert the ignition key and rotate it to the ON position.
•Remove the cup holder liner.
•Insert a key, screwdriver, or finger into the front hole
then push and hold the manual override release lever
forward.
•While holding the release lever forward, move the
shift lever from Park to Neutral.
•Release the override.
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 379 of 494

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the Trip Odometer
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7
Page 389 of 494

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition when
the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7
Page 440 of 494
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L engines (except
PZEV* engine).30,000 50 000 30
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt ten-
sion on 2.4L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4L engines, and replace
if necessary.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using
your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 100,000 160 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L PZEV*, 2.7L and
3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the power steering pump belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the generator belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
438 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 454 of 494

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 282
Accessory Delay, Power.................... 13
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 396
Adding Fuel........................... 332
Adding Washer Fluid..................140,393
Additives, Fuel......................... 326
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 385
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 388
Air Conditioning........................ 243
Air Conditioning Controls................. 243
Air Conditioning Filter.................256,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 257
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............388,389
Air Conditioning System.............243,248,388
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 304
Airbag.............................. 52,61
Airbag Deployment....................... 62
Airbag Light................... 53,60,65,79,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64Airbag, Side........................ 54,59,61
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 55,59,61
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 18,173
Alignment and Balance................... 312
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 235
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........395,396,429
Disposal............................ 398
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 282
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 282
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 406
Ashtray............................... 156
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Audio Systems (Radio).................222,225
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows................ 36,153
452 INDEX
Page 458 of 494

Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 29,138
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 377
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........222,225
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 136
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................403,404
Oil (Engine).......................... 380
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 368
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 398
Engine Oil........................... 384
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage..................... 144
DriveBelts ............................ 384
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 291
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................ 292
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 240E-85 Fuel............................. 328
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 258
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 87
Electrical Power Outlets................... 154
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 141
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 287
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 183
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 356
Jump Starting......................... 364
Towing ............................. 368
Emergency Trunk Release................. 39,40
Emission Control System Maintenance......378,434
Engine........................ 78,374,375,376
Air Cleaner.......................... 385
Block Heater......................... 269
Break-In Recommendations................ 78
Checking Oil Level..................... 380
Coolant (Antifreeze).................395,430
456 INDEX
Page 462 of 494

Heated Seats........................... 126
Heater............................... 243
Heater, Engine Block..................... 269
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 340
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 144
Hood Prop............................ 131
Hood Release.......................... 130
Hoses................................ 400
Ignition............................... 13
Key ............................... 12,13
Lock................................ 13
Ignition Key Removal..................... 13
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Infant Restraint...................... 67,68,69
Information Center, Vehicle................. 183
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 85Instrument Cluster.................170,171,172
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 169
Instrument Panel Cover................... 408
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 410
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 412
Interior Appearance Care.................. 408
Interior Lights.......................... 131
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 138
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 356
Jack Operation.......................356,358
Jacking Instructions...................... 358
Jump Starting.......................... 364
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Key-In Reminder......................... 14
460 INDEX