If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
2
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the requiredmaintenance
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 — 2.7L and 3.5L Engines
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
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 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level — 5.7L Engine
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.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
information on this system.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 294
Fluid Check ....................... 403,430
Master Cylinder ....................... 403
Parking ............................. 292
Warning Light ........................ 179
Brakes ............................... 402
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 275
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 136
Bulb Replacement ..................... 418,419
Bulbs, Light .......................... 80,418
Calibration, Compass ..................... 191
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 427
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 337
Oil (Engine) .......................... 387
Power Steering ........................ 291
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 400Car Washes
............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............78,336
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 340
Cellular Phone ........................ 89,252
Certification Label ....................... 340
Chains, Tire ............................ 319
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 357
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 303
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 383
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Restraint .................... 67,69,72,74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............71,72
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 333
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 408
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 393
462 INDEX
Emergency, In Case ofFreeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 372
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 356
Jacking ............................. 357
Jump Starting ......................... 369
Overheating .......................... 356
Towing ............................. 374
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 41
Emission Control System Maintenance ......383,432
Engine .......................... 379,380,381
Air Cleaner .......................... 389
Block Heater ......................... 272
Break-In Recommendations ................ 77
Checking Oil Level .................. 385,386
Compartment ................... 379,380,381
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 397,429
Cooling ............................. 397
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 78,336
Fails to Start .......................... 271 Flooded, Starting
...................... 271
Fuel Requirements ..................... 332
Jump Starting ......................... 369
Oil ........................... 385,427,429
Oil Change Interval ...............177,186,386
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 387
Oil Filter ............................ 388
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 388
Oil Selection ....................... 387,427
Oil Synthetic ......................... 388
Overheating .......................... 356
Temperature Gauge .................... 173
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 387
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 63
Ethanol ............................... 333
Event Data Recorder ...................... 65
Exhaust Gas Caution ................78,336,395
Exhaust System ....................... 78,394
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 87
INDEX 465
10
Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............332,429
Odometer .......................... 172,177
Trip ............................. 172,177
Oil Change Indicator .................. 177,186
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............177,186
Oil, Engine ......................... 385,429
Capacity ............................ 427
Change Interval .................. 177,186,386
Checking ......................... 385,386
Dipstick .......................... 385,386
Disposal ............................ 388
Filter ............................ 388,429
Filter Disposal ........................ 388
Identification Logo ..................... 387
Materials Added to ..................... 388
Recommendation ................... 387,427
Synthetic ............................ 388
Viscosity ......................... 387,427Oil Filter, Change
........................ 388
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 388
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............382,383
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 146
Operating Precautions .................... 382
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 86
Overdrive ............................. 278
Overhead Console ....................... 145
Overheating, Engine ................... 174,356
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,455
Paint Care ............................. 406
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 292
Passing Light ........................... 135
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 140
Personal Settings ........................ 193
Pets .................................. 77
472 INDEX