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Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the odometer will
display the following messages:
door............................. Door Ajar
deck ............................. T runk Ajar
TOP nOT SECUrE ....... Convertible Top Not Secure
LoW TirE .................... LowTirePr essure
HOTOIL ............ Tr ansmission Oil Temperature
Exceeds Safe Threshold
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
CHAngE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
NOTE: If the instrument cluster is equipped with the
optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),
then all warnings including ”Low Tire,” “Door Ajar” and
“Trunk Ajar” will only display in the EVIC. (Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for spe-
cific messages). LoW TirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and TirE for three
cycles.
HOTOIL
When this message is displayed there is a transmission
over-temperature condition. When this condition occurs,
the “HOTOIL” message will be displayed in the odom-
eter along with a chime.
NOTE:
When this message is displayed, bring the
vehicle to a stop and idle the engine in park until the
message clears. Raising the idle of the engine slightly will
help speed up the cooling.
gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change
in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, the words “gASCAP”
will display in the odometer display area. If this occurs,
4
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tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn off the “gASCAP” message.
(Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information). If
the problem continues, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. See your authorized dealer
service center as soon as possible.
CHAngE OIL
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “CHAngE OIL” message will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately
12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate
the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which
means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly 3 times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
4. For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)”.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD that
monitors emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. The light will illuminate when
the key is in the ON position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning the key from LOCK
to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 312
▫ Starting ........................... 313
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 313
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 313
▫ Maintenance ........................ 313
Adding Fuel ......................... 314
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 314
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 316
Vehicle Loading ...................... 316
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 316
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 316
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 317▫
Overloading ........................ 317
▫ Loading ........................... 317
Trailer Towing ........................ 318
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 318
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 321
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 322
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 323
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 327
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 328
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 328
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CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire
sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light.”
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FLEXIBLE FUEL (2.7L ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
E85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by a unique
fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline-only powered vehicles.
NOTE: The2.7L engine is now rated for E85 Ethanol
use (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES). Only
vehicles with the E85 fuel filler door label can operate on
E85.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E85.
E85 Fuel Cap
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Ethanol Fuel (E85)
E85 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 E85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
E85 Badge
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ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the left rear
quarter panel of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or
damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this
vehicle.After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.
NOTE:
If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Door
Tether Cable
314 STARTING AND OPERATING