Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper 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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 277
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 279
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 279
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 280
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 281
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 282
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 282
Tire Chains .......................... 283
Snow Tires .......................... 284
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 284
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 285
▫ Base System ........................ 288
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 290▫
General Information .................. 293
Fuel Requirements ..................... 294
▫ 2.4L And 2.7L Engine ................. 294
▫ 3.5L Engine ........................ 294
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 295
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 295
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 296
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 297
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 297
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 297
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 298
Flexible Fuel (2.7L Only) — If Equipped ..... 299
▫ E85 General Information ............... 299
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-
hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under-inflated.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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.”
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States ..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L and 2.7L Engine
All engines are designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using
high quality unleaded “regular” gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as
it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
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 premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines.
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 as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING
About Your Brakes....................... 254
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 256
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 362
Adding Fuel ........................... 303
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 358
Additives, Fuel ......................... 297
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 352
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 354
Air Conditioning ........................ 219
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 219
Air Conditioning Filter .................230,355
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 231
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............354,355
Air Conditioning System .............219,223,354
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 277
Airbag .............................. 53,63
Airbag Deployment ....................... 64
Airbag Light ..................... 62,67,82,146
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 66 Airbag, Side
........................ 56,60,63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........57,60,63
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............18,153
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 212
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............362,392
Disposal ............................ 364
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 256
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 256
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 371
Ashtray ............................... 131
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 31
Auto Up Power Windows ................35,128
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 90
Automatic Door Locks ................... 30,31
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ........151,161,396
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 223
424 INDEX
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