Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools
Storing the Spare Tire
{CAUTION
The underbody-mounted spare tire
needs to be stored with the valve
stem pointing down. If the spare
tire is stored with the valve stem
pointing upwards, the secondary
latch will not work properly and
the spare tire could loosen and
suddenly fall from the vehicle.
If this happened when the vehicle
was being driven, the tire might
contact a person or another
vehicle, causing injury and
damage to itself. Be sure the
underbody-mounted spare tire
is stored with the valve stem
pointing down.
{CAUTION
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
To store the spare tire:
1. Lay the compact spare tire near
the rear of the vehicle with the
valve stem down.
2. Reinstall the plastic spare tire
heat shield on the compact
spare tire.3. Slide the cable retainer through
the center of the wheel and start
to raise the compact spare tire.
Make sure the retainer is fully
seated across the underside of
the wheel.
4. When the compact spare tire is
almost in the stored position,
turn the tire so the valve is
toward the rear of the vehicle.
This position helps when
checking the air pressure in
the compact spare tire.
5. Raise the tire fully against the
underside of the vehicle. Continue
turning the lug wrench until you
feel more than two clicks. This
indicates that the compact spare
tire is secure and the cable is
tight. The spare tire hoist cannot
be overtightened.
5-80 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com
6. Make sure the tire is stored
securely. Push, pull (A), and then
try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire
moves, use the lug wrench to
tighten the cable.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the cable package from
the jack storage area.
2. Remove the small center cap by
tapping the back of the cap with
the extension of the shaft, if the
vehicle has aluminum wheels.
3. Put the at tire in the rear storage
area with the valve stem pointing
toward the rear of the vehicle.
4. Pull the cable (A) through the
door striker (E), the center of the
wheel (D), and the plastic spare
tire heat shield (C), as shown.5. Hook the cable onto the outside
portion of the liftgate hinges (B).
6. Hook the other end of the cable
onto the outside portion of the
liftgate hinge (A).
7. Pull on the cable to make sure it
is secure.
Service and Appearance Care 5-81
ProCarManuals.com
8. Make sure the metal tube is
centered at the striker. Push
the tube toward the front of the
vehicle.
9. Close the liftgate and make sure
it is latched properly.
Storing the Tools
A. Tool Bag
B. Wing Bolt
C. JackPut back all tools as they were
stored in the jack storage
compartment and put the
compartment cover back on.
1. Ensure that the bottom of the
jack is facing toward you.
2. Turn the jack (C) on its side and
place down on the holding
bracket.
3. Reinstall the wing bolt (B) by
turning clockwise.
4. To replace the cover, line up the
tab at the front of the cover with
the notch in the cover opening.
Push the cover in place and make
sure that the rear clips are in the
slots and push the cover closed.
Store the center cap or the plastic
bolt-on wheel covers until a full size
tire is put back on the vehicle. When
you replace the compact spare with
a full-size tire, reinstall the bolt-on
wheel covers or the center cap.
Hand-tighten them over the wheel
nuts, using the lug wrench.
5-82 Service and Appearance Care
ProCarManuals.com
Do not clean the vehicle using:
A knife or any other sharp object
to remove a soil from any interior
surface.
A stiff brush. It can cause damage
to the vehicle’s interior surfaces.
Heavy pressure or aggressive
rubbing with a cleaning cloth. Use
of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve
the effectiveness of soil removal.
Laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue
that streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about
20 drops per gallon (3.78 L)
of water is a good guide. Use
only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
Too much cleaner that saturates
the upholstery.
Organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc. that can damage the
vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a
soft brush attachment frequently
to remove dust and loose dirt.
A canister vacuum with a beater bar
in the nozzle may only be used on
oor carpet and carpeted oor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it
rst with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible using
one of the following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper towel.
Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be
removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess
moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled
area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain
water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a small
hidden area for colorfastness rst.
If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may
result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
Service and Appearance Care 5-85
ProCarManuals.com
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
frequent application may be required.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can damage
the paint, metal or plastic on the
vehicle. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer/
retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm)
to the surface of the vehicle.
Use of power washers exceeding
1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can result
in damage or removal of paint and
decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions underWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-87.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
Service and Appearance Care 5-87
ProCarManuals.com