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It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or
right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, it can be turned
a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the
pavement. Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches,
8 to 13 cm, (about one-eighth turn) until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering
wheel to go straight down the roadway.
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Page 269 of 420
To open the fuel door, push the rearward center edge in
and release and it will open.
To remove the tethered fuel cap, turn it slowly
counterclockwise. If the vehicle has E85 fuel capability,
the fuel cap will be yellow and state that E85 or gasoline
can be used. SeeFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 5-8.
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Page 270 of 420

While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.
{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or over ll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping the fuel before removing the nozzle. Clean
fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible.
SeeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-93.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it to the clockwise
until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-38.If the vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
the CHECK GAS CAP message displays if the fuel cap
is not properly installed.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/ retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it might not t
properly. This can cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and can damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-38.
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Page 290 of 420

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank
pressure cap — even a little — they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the surge tank pressure cap, is
hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.If coolant is needed, add the proper mixture directly to
the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about two or two and one-half turns.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This will
allow any pressure still left to be vented out
the discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the
pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
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Page 306 of 420
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps
A. Backup Lamp
B. Stoplamp, Taillamp and Turn Signal Lamp
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 2-12for more
information.
2. Remove the convenience net hooks holding the
trunk trim.3. Remove the three wing nuts, which hold the
taillamp assembly, from inside the vehicle.
4. Remove the taillamp assembly.
5. Remove the wiring harness from the taillamp
assembly by lifting the release tab.
6. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.
7. Pull the bulb from the socket.
8. Install a new bulb.
9. Reverse Steps 2 through 5 to reinstall the taillamp
assembly.
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Page 307 of 420
Back-up Lamp
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 2-12for more
information.
2. Remove the push nuts holding the trunk trim.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove
from the lamp assembly.
4. Install the new bulb.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall.
License Plate Lamp
To replace the license plate lamp bulb:
1. Remove the license plate assembly by turning the
two screws counterclockwise.
2. Turn and pull the license plate lamp forward
through the fascia opening.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull the
bulb straight out of the socket.
4. Push the new bulb in and turn it clockwise to install.
5. Replace the license plate lamp by pushing it
through the fascia opening.
6. Turn the two screws that hold the license plate
lamp clockwise to reinstall.
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Page 335 of 420
A. Wheel Block
B. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to use the jack
and change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is in the trunk.
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 2-12for more
information.
2. Remove the spare tire cover.
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it.
Then remove the compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-89for more information.
4. Remove the wing nut holding the jack in place.
5. Remove the jack and wheel wrench from the trunk.
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Page 336 of 420
Tire Changing Tools
The tools you will be using include the wheel wrench (A)
and jack (B).1. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to loosen wheel
wrench.
2. Unhook the wheel wrench from the jack.
5-78