Page 408 of 531
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the gear
selector lever into third gear (with four-speed transmis-
sion) or fifth gear (with six-speed transmission).
NOTE:Moving the gear selector lever into third gear
(with four-speed transmission) or fifth gear (with six-
speed transmission) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing 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. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals.NOTE:²Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
²The six-speed automatic transmission is sealed and
requires an authorized dealer service center to check
the transmission fluid.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 426 of 531
CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with Stow 'n Go seating, the
Winch Mechanism is designed specifically to stow a
COMPACT Spare Tire ONLY. Do not attempt to use
the Winch to stow the Full Size 'Flat' Tire, or any
other Full Size Tire. Vehicle damage may result.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
²DO NOT attempt to push or tow the 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.
²If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous
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 the
eyes or on the skin, flush the contaminated area immediately with large
quantities of water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep
all flames or sparks away from the vent holes. DO NOT use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
²During cold weather when temperatures are below freezing point, elec-
trolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. DO NOT attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The battery temperature
must be brought up above freezing point before attempting jump-start.
²Take special care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. The cooling fan is electrically operated and can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
424 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 431 of 531
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.3L Engine Compartment................432
m3.8L Engine Compartment................433
m4.0L Engine Compartment................434
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........435
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð Gascap....436
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................436
mReplacement Parts......................438
mAuthorized Dealer Service................438mMaintenance Procedures..................439
NEngine Oil..........................439
NEngine Oil Filter......................442
NDrive Belt...........................443
NSpark Plugs.........................443
NEngine Air Cleaner....................443
NCatalytic Converter....................444
NMaintenance-Free Battery................446
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............448
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Page 432 of 531
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............451
NFront Suspension Ð Ball Joints............451
NSteering Shaft Seal....................451
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............452
NBody Lubrication.....................452
NWindshield Wiper Blades................452
NCooling System.......................454
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......459
NFuel System Connections................459
NBrakes.............................460
NAutomatic Transaxle...................462
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........465NAppearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................465
NCleaning The Instrument Panel Cup Holders . . 471
mFuses/Totally Integrated Power Module
(TIPM)..............................472
mVehicle Storage........................479
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................480
mBulb Replacement......................481
NHigh Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) Ð
If Equipped.........................481
NQuad Headlights.....................481
NFront Park/Turn Signal And Side
Marker Lights........................482
NFront Side Marker Lights................482
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 437 of 531
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 authorized 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
7
Page 438 of 531
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 441 of 531
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
ENGINE OIL
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed 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. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
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Page 443 of 531
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 3.3L & 3.8L
Gasoline Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
the Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 4.0 Liter
Engines
SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
Lubricants which DO NOT have both, the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
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