Page 449 of 523

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid
when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replacedimmediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place, resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the Brake System Warning Light indicates system
failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
7
Page 450 of 523

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 451 of 523

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Fluid Level Check — Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Fluid Level Check — Vehicles with 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7
Page 482 of 523
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transaxle, and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation. At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S
Page 500 of 523

Brake Assist System...................... 330
Brake Assist Warning Light ................. 216
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 328
Brake Fluid ............................ 476
Brake, Parking .......................... 323
Brake System ........................ 326,446
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 327,328
Fluid Check ....................... 447,476
Hoses .............................. 446
Master Cylinder ....................... 447
Parking ............................. 323
Warning Light ........................ 217
Brakes ............................. 326,446
Brake/Transaxle Interlock .................. 312
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 152
Bulb Replacement ..................... 465,466
Bulbs, Light .......................... 81,465Calibration, Compass
.................. 219,228
Camera, Rear ........................... 92
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 472
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 372
Oil (Engine) .................. 418,419,420,427
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 442
Car Washes ............................ 452
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............79,372
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 191
Cargo Area Features ...................... 188
Cargo Compartment ...................... 188
Light ............................ 151,188
Luggage Carrier ....................... 196
Cargo Light ............................ 151
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 188
Cargo Management System ................. 188
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ................. 191
Tri-Fold Load Floor ..................... 188
498 INDEX
Page 501 of 523

Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 189
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................188,375
Catalytic Converter ...................... 429
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............234,266
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 284
Cellular Phone ..................... 93,266,267
Certification Label ....................... 375
Chains, Tire ............................ 355
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 396
Charging System Light .................... 212
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 338
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 422
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Booster Seat ........................ 67
Child Restraint .................. 65,67,69,73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............71,73
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 369
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 454
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 437
Climate Control ......................... 285
Clock ........................ 236,240,255,267
Coin Holder ........................... 183
Cold Weather Operation ................... 309
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 284
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 349
Compass .............................. 227
Compass Calibration .................. 219,228
Compass Variance .................... 219,229
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 226
Connector UCI ................................ 278
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 278
Conserving Fuel ........................ 226
Console, Floor .......................... 183
INDEX 499
10
Page 504 of 523

Air Cleaner.......................... 429
Block Heater ......................... 311
Break-In Recommendations ................ 77
Checking Oil Level ..................... 424
Compartment ......................... 418
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 440,474
Cooling ............................. 440
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 39,79,372
Fails to Start .......................... 310
Flooded, Starting ...................... 310
Fuel Requirements ..................... 368
Jump Starting ......................... 407
Oil ........................... 424,472,474
Oil Change Interval ...............210,225,426
Oil Filler Cap ................. 418,419,420,427
Oil Filter ............................ 428
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 428
Oil Selection ....................... 426,472
Oil Synthetic ......................... 427 Operation
............................ 77
Overheating .......................... 394
Starting ............................. 307
Temperature Gauge ..................... 205
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 427
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 369
Event Data Recorder ...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............39,79,372,439
Exhaust System ....................... 79,439
Express Down Windows ................... 25
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 90
Exterior Light Service ..................... 466
Exterior Lights ........................ 81,466
Fabric Care ......................... 454,455
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 372
502 INDEX
Page 505 of 523

FiltersAir Cleaner .......................... 429
Air Conditioning .................... 301,434
Automatic Transaxle .................... 451
Engine Oil ........................ 428,474
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 428
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 394
Turn Signal ...................... 81,149,207
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 150
Flexible Fuel Vehicles ..................... 364
Cruising Range ........................ 367
Engine Oil ........................... 366
Fuel Requirements .................. 364,365
Maintenance ....................... 364,367
Replacement Parts ..................... 367
Starting ............................. 367
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 310
Floor Console .......................... 183 Fluid, Brake
........................... 476
Fluid Capacities ......................... 472
Fluid Leaks ............................. 81
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 449
Brake ............................ 447,476
Cooling System ....................... 440
Engine Oil ........................... 424
Power Steering ..................... 436,476
Fluids ................................ 474
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 474
Fog Light Service ........................ 467
Fog Lights .................... 146,148,207,467
Folding Front Passenger Seat ............... 128
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 141,134
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 410
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 451
Fuel ................................. 368
Adding ............................. 372
INDEX 503
10