Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist an authorized service technician in making repairs.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until a\bclicking\b sound is heard. This is an indication that
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
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S408 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 314
Oil (Engine) .................. 349,350,351,358
Power Steering ........................ 264
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 371
Car Washes ............................ 380
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............78,309
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 316
Cellular Phone ....................... 1 12,230
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 402
Certification Label ....................... 316
Chains, Tire ............................ 294
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 332
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 278
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 353
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 78
Checks, Safety ........................... 78
Child Restraint .................... 66,68,72,74Child Restraint Tether Anchors
.............70,72
Cigar Lighter ........................... 147
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 305
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 381
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 365
Climate Control ......................... 230
Clock .................. 182,184,198,200,203,213
Coin Holder ........................... 149
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 229
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 289
Compass .............................. 176
Compass Calibration ..................... 177
Compass Variance ....................... 178
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 175
Console, Floor .......................... 149
Contract, Service ........................ 429
Convertible ............................. 87
Convertible Top .......................... 87
438 INDEX
Lights On Reminder.................... 124
Low Fuel ............................ 159
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 170
Map Reading ......................... 129
Oil Pressure .......................... 160
Park ............................ 123,124
Passing ............................. 128
Rear Tail ............................ 398
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 159
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Service ............................. 394
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 166
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........168,295
Traction Control ....................... 274
Turn Signal ............. 81,123,128,166,396,398
Voltage ............................. 159
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 158
Loading Vehicle ...................... 316,317
Capacities ........................... 317 Tires ............................... 282
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Automatic Door ........................ 31
Door ................................ 29
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 295
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 70,72
Lubrication, Body ....................... 364
Lumbar Support ........................ 116
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 360
Maintenance, General ..................... 355
Maintenance Procedures ................... 355
Maintenance Schedule .................... 408
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 170,353
Manual, Service ......................... 431
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 129
446 INDEX
Towing............................... 318
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 344
Guide .............................. 321
Recreational .......................... 328
Weight .............................. 321
Traction .............................. 260
Trailer Towing .......................... 318
Cooling System Tips .................... 328
Hitches ............................. 319
Minimum Requirements ................. 323
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 322
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 321
Trailer Weight .......................... 321
Transaxle Additives ............................ 378
Automatic ...................... 247,250,376
Autostick ............................ 258
Filter ............................... 378
Maintenance ......................... 376 Operation
........................... 250
Overdrive ........................... 255
Selection of Lubricant ................... 405
Transmission ..................... See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink) ........................... 138
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 21
Transporting Pets ........................ 76
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 291
Trip Odometer .......................... 162
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 165
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .................... 35,37
Trunk Release, Emergency .................. 37
Trunk Release Remote Control ............... 35
Turn Signals ................... 123,128,166,398
10
INDEX 453