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.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
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 opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is placed in the RUN position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is placed in the RUN position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
24. Low Fuel Light This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 279
Tire Safety Information ................. 280
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 280
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 284
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 285
Tires — General Information ............. 289
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 289
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 290
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 292
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 292
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 293
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 294 ▫
Replacement Tires .................... 294
Tire Chains .......................... 295
Snow Tires .......................... 296
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 296
▫ Tire Rotation – Four Season/Rsa Tires ..... 297
▫ Tire Rotation – F1 Three Season Tires ...... 297
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 298
▫ Premium System .................... 300
▫ General Information .................. 303
Fuel Requirements ..................... 304
▫ 6.1L Engine ........................ 304
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 304
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 305
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
inspected 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.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 “TPM Telltale
Light.”
•Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
•Receiver module,
•Four TPM sensors,
•CORAX Receiver module,
300 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
About Your Brakes.................... 264,267
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............267,271
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 356
Adding Fuel ........................... 308
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 350
Additives, Fuel ......................... 306
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 345
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 348
Air Conditioning ........................ 224
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 224
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 231
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............348,349
Air Conditioning System ................224,348
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 290
Airbag .............................. 45,53
Airbag Deployment ....................... 55
Airbag Light ................... 46,52,57,71,161
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 56
Airbag, Side .......................... 51,53Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........47,51,53
Alarm Light ........................... 165
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 217
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........355,356,382
Disposal ............................ 357
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............267,271
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............167,270
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 364
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 17
Assistance Towing ........................ 96
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 33
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 30
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 77
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
416 INDEX