Page 367 of 523
Along with the special E-85 fuel filler cap, your vehicle
may display a badge, which also indicates it can operate
on E-85.ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.E-85 Badge
STARTING AND OPERATING 365
5
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L and 2.7L Engines
2.4L and 2.7L Engines are designed to meet
all emissions regulations and provide ex-
cellent fuel economy and performance
when using high-quality unleaded “regu-
lar” gasoline having an octane rating of 87.
The use of premium gasoline is not recom-
mended. Under normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over high-quality
unleaded regular gasolines, and in some circumstances
may result in poorer performance.
3.5L Engine
The 3.5L Engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of pre-
mium gasoline is not recommended. Un-
der normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over
high-quality regular and mid-grade gaso-
lines, and in some circumstances may result in poorer
performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
368 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 372 of 523

CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 3.5L engine, DO
NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85 Etha-
nol. Use of these blends may result in starting and
driveability problems and may damage critical fuel
system components.
NOTE: The2.7L engine is now rated for E85 Ethanol
use (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES). Only
vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can operate on
E-85. For more information, refer to “Flexible Fuel” in
this section.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of metha-
nol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to
look for gasoline without MMT in Canada, because MMT
can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the
United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor-
nia reformulated gasoline.
370 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 373 of 523

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emissions control system.
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition mal-
functions can cause the catalytic converter to overheat.
If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light
smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunc-
tioning and may require immediate service. Contact
your authorized dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 371
5
Page 477 of 523
ComponentFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Spark Plugs (2.7L) TE10MCC5 (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (2.4L) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (2.7L) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (2.7L - EXCEPT CALI-
FORNIA EMISSION STATES) E-85 Ethanol
Fuel Selection (3.5L) 87 to 89 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
7
Page 506 of 523

Additives............................ 371
Clean Air ............................ 369
Conserving .......................... 226
Ethanol ............................. 369
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 372
Gasoline ............................ 368
Gauge .............................. 205
Hoses .............................. 446
Materials Added ....................... 371
Methanol ............................ 369
Octane Rating ...................... 368,474
Requirements ......................... 368
Saver Mode .......................... 226
Specifications ......................... 474
Tank Capacity ........................ 472
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 373
Fueling ............................... 372
Fuses ................................ 457 Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 163
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
...............372,421
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 205
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 369
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 368
Conserving .......................... 226
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 369
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 205
Fuel ................................ 205
Odometer ........................... 209
Speedometer ......................... 207
Tachometer .......................... 208
Gear Ranges ........................... 314
Gearshift .............................. 314
General Information ............18,26,120,318,363
General Maintenance ..................... 424
Glass Cleaning .......................... 456
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............375,378
504 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