checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly — including hazard flashers.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four-speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStickshould be selected.
NOTE: Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. This
action will also provide better engine braking. If you
REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transmission
fluid level before towing. The AutoStick six-speed trans-
mission is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked.
See your authorized dealership service center for
assistance.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
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 345
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S398 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Automatic Transaxle..............12,238,241,368
Adding Fluid ................... 369,370,394
Filter ............................... 370
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 370
Fluid Level Check ................... 369,370
Interlock System .................... 243,244
Reset Mode .......................... 247
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 394
Shifting ............................. 241
Special Additives ...................... 370
Autostick ............................. 248
Back-Up Lights ......................... 387
Battery ............................... 352
Jump Starting ......................... 29
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location ............................ 352
Belts, Seat .............................. 82
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 356B-Pillar Location
........................ 272
Brake Assist System ...................... 260
Brake, Parking .......................... 254
Brake System ........................... 366
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 256
Fluid Check ....................... 366,394
Master Cylinder ....................... 366
Parking ............................. 254
Warning Light ........................ 147
Brakes ............................... 366
Brake/Transaxle Interlock .................. 243
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
Bulb Replacement ..................... 382,383
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,382
Calibration, Compass ..................... 164
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 392
10
INDEX 425
Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 303
Oil (Engine) .................. 341,342,343,350
Power Steering ........................ 253
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 363
Car Washes ............................ 372
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,298
Cargo Area Features ...................... 134
Cargo Compartment ...................... 134
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 134
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 134
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,219
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 391
Chains, Tire ............................ 283
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 323
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 268
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 345
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80Checks, Safety
........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 69,71,75,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 131
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 295
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 373
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 357
Climate Control ......................... 219
Clock .................. 169,171,186,187,190,200
Coin Holder ........................... 135
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 218
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 279
Compass .............................. 163
Compass Calibration ..................... 164
Compass Variance ....................... 165
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,162
Console ............................ 103,135
426 INDEX
Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 369,370
Brake ............................ 366,394
Cooling System ....................... 361
Engine Oil ........................... 348
Power Steering ..................... 253,394
Fluids ................................ 393
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 393
Fog Light Service ........................ 385
Fog Lights ....................... 109,153,385
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 102,103
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 333
Fuel ................................. 294
Adding ............................. 303
Additives ............................ 297
Clean Air ............................ 295
Ethanol ............................. 295
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 145,303
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 145 Gasoline
............................ 294
Gauge .............................. 145
Light ............................... 146
Materials Added ....................... 297
Methanol ............................ 295
Octane Rating ...................... 294,393
Requirements ...................... 294,392
Tank Capacity ........................ 392
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 304
Fueling ............................... 303
Fuses ................................ 377
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 120
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............303,305,344
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 295
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 294
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 295
430 INDEX
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)....... 75
Latches ................................ 84
Hood .............................. 104
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 294
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 84
Life of Tires ............................ 282
Light Bulbs .......................... 84,382
Lights .............................. 84,105
Airbag ........................ 62,67,82,146
Back-Up ............................ 387
Brake Warning ........................ 147
Bulb Replacement ...................... 383
Center Mounted Stop ................... 391
Daytime Running ...................... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 263
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 147
Exterior .............................. 84
Fog .......................... 109,153,385Headlight Switch
...................... 106
Headlights ........................... 106
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 115
High Beam Indicator .................... 158
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Instrument Cluster ..................... 106
Interior ............................. 111
License ............................. 390
Lights On Reminder .................... 110
Low Fuel ............................ 146
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 156
Map Reading ......................... 111
Oil Pressure .......................... 147
Passing ............................. 108
Rear Tail ............................ 387
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 146
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 153
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........155,285
10
INDEX 433