Page 355 of 432

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the “MAX”
mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 357 of 432

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 386 of 432

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
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Page 415 of 432

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 131
Bulb Replacement ..................... 372,373
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,372
Calibration, Compass ..................... 184
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 380
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 302
Oil (Engine) .......................... 337
Power Steering ........................ 259
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 351
Car Washes ............................ 359
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............73,302
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 305
Cellular Phone ........................ 85,231
Certification Label ....................... 305
Chains, Tire ............................ 287
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 273 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 333
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 72
Checks, Safety ........................... 72
Child Restraint .................. 62,63,64,67,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............66,67
Child Safety Locks ........................ 29
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 298
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 360
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 344
Climate Control ......................... 231
Clock ........................ 191,192,196,205
Coin Holder ........................... 153
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 230
Compass .............................. 184
Compass Calibration ..................... 184
Compass Variance ....................... 185
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 178
414 INDEX
Page 417 of 432

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 352
Engine Oil ........................... 338
Door Locks ............................. 25
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 27
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 140
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 255
Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water ................. 256
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 226
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 156
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 265
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 267
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 164Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 174
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 36
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 325
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 310
Jump Starting ......................... 321
Overheating .......................... 310
Towing ............................. 327
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 36
Emission Control System Maintenance ......333,384
Engine ............................... 331
Air Cleaner .......................... 338
Block Heater ......................... 245
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 336
Compartment ......................... 331
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 349,381
Cooling ............................. 348
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 73,302
416 INDEX
Page 419 of 432

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission ................. 356
Brake .............................. 354
Cooling System ....................... 349
Engine Oil ........................... 336
Power Steering ........................ 259
Fluids ................................ 381
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 381
Fog Lights .......................... 129,167
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 124
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 325
Fuel ................................. 298
Adding ............................. 302
Additives ............................ 300
Clean Air ............................ 298
Ethanol ............................. 299
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 302
Gasoline ............................ 298
Gauge .............................. 163 Materials Added
....................... 300
Methanol ............................ 299
Octane Rating ...................... 298,381
Requirements ......................... 298
Specifications ......................... 381
Tank Capacity ........................ 380
Fuel System Caution ..................... 303
Fueling ............................... 302
Fuses ................................ 364
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 140
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............302,332
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 298
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 298
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 298
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 164
Fuel ............................... 163
Speedometer ......................... 163
418 INDEX
Page 422 of 432

Lights.............................. 75,127
Airbag ...................... 49,55,60,74,165
Anti-Lock ......................... 172,265
Automatic Headlights ................... 127
Brake Assist Warning ................... 271
Brake Warning ..................... 169,262
Bulb Replacement ................... 372,373
Courtesy/Reading ................... 130,139
Cruise .............................. 163
Daytime Running ...................... 128
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............129,130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 271
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 164
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 166
Exterior .............................. 75
Fog ............................. 129,167
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 310
Headlight Switch ...................... 127
Headlights ........................ 127,375Headlights On Reminder
................. 129
Headlights On With Wipers ............128,134
High Beam ........................ 130,167
High Beam Indicator .................... 167
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 130
Illuminated Entry ....................... 18
Instrument Cluster .................. 127,163
Intensity Control ...................... 131
Interior .......................... 131,139
License ............................. 379
Lights On Reminder .................... 129
Low Fuel ............................ 172
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 173
Map Reading ...................... 130,139
Oil Pressure .......................... 167
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ......... 132
Passing ............................. 130
Reading .......................... 130,139
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 167
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