Page 82 of 523

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 seat 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 seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for four to six
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, or if the
light stays on, flickers, or turns on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 426 of 523

AUTHORIZED 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 service 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 mechanic.
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
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.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 427 of 523
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1.0
qt (1.0 l) of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7
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 512 of 523

Occupant Restraints....................... 39
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............368,474
Odometer Trip ............................. 212,218
Oil Change Indicator .................. 210,225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............210,225
Oil, Engine ......................... 424,474
Capacity ............................ 472
Change Interval .................. 210,225,426
Checking ............................ 424
Dipstick ............................. 424
Disposal ............................ 428
Filter ............................ 428,474
Filter Disposal ........................ 428
Identification Logo ..................... 426
Materials Added to ..................... 427
Recommendation ................... 426,472
Synthetic ............................ 427
Viscosity .......................... 427,472Oil Filter, Change
........................ 428
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 428
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............421,422
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 163
Operating Precautions .................... 421
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 89
Overdrive .......................... 208,315
Overhead Console ....................... 162
Overheating, Engine ................ 206,394,395
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 492
Paint Care ............................. 452
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 323
Parking On Hill ......................... 323
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) .... 139
Passing Light ........................... 150
Personal Settings ........................ 230
Pets .................................. 77
510 INDEX