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. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. Use
of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling
point or unidentified as to specification, may result in
sudden brake failure during hard prolonged braking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
Change Clutch Fluid
Clutch fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated
with water, clutch performance will deteriorate. There-
fore, the clutch fluid must be changed at the intervals
specified in “Maintenance Schedule.” Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for further information. See your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and sup-
ported by the suspension, with the vehicle on the ground
or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The axle
lubricant level should be between the bottom of the filler
plug and a point approximately 3/8 in (9.5 mm) below
the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only themanufacturer’s recommended axle lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:
The Limited Slip Differential requires that a
friction control additive be added when draining and
refilling the axle lubricant.
Change Axle Lubricant
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. Change the lubricant immediately if
contaminated with water. See your authorized dealer for
service.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
•Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
•Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger
(1.5 Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge
protection to the battery. However, do not leave the
trickle charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 Volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle’s battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next three weeks, perform
the battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
Then, either disconnect the battery at the negative
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•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.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE: Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
8
M A I
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N A
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H E
D
U L
E
S266 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 231
Door Locks ............................. 24
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 26
Doors ................................. 24
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 151
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 151
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 100
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 113
Emergency Brake ........................ 155
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 205
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 190
Jump Starting ......................... 202
Overheating .......................... 190 Towing
............................. 206
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 211,264
Engine ............................... 209
Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Break-In Recommendations ................ 63
Checking Oil Level ..................... 214
Compartment ......................... 209
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 227,261
Cooling .......................... 1 16,227
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 30,64,185
Fails to Start .......................... 146
Flooded, Starting ...................... 146
Fuel Requirements .................. 181,260
Oil ........................... 214,260,261
Oil Change Interval .................... 214
Oil Disposal .......................... 216
Oil Filter ............................ 216
Oil Selection ....................... 215,260
Overheating ....................... 1 16,190
10
INDEX 299
Engine Oil Viscosity................... 215,260
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 215
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 53
Ethanol ............................... 182
Exhaust Gas Caution ............30,64,185,224,225
Exhaust System ....................... 64,224
Express Down Windows ................... 21
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 238
Exterior Lights .......................... 67
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Engine Oil ........................ 216,261
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 216
Finish Care ............................ 238
Flashers Hazard Warning .................... 11 1,190
Turn Signal ...................... 67,91,111
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 91 Flooded Engine Starting
................... 146
Floor Console .......................... 102
Fluid Capacities ......................... 260
Fluid Leaks ............................. 67
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................ 233,262
Capacities ........................... 260
Clutch Fluid .......................... 236
Cooling System ....................... 227
Engine Oil ........................... 214
Manual Transmission ................235,262
Power Steering ..................... 154,262
Fluids ................................ 261
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 261
Fog Lights ......................... 88,90,110
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 190
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 205
Fuel ................................. 181
Adding ............................. 185
300 INDEX
Light Bulbs............................. 67
Lights ............................... 67,88
Airbag ........................ 49,56,65,112
Anti-Lock ......................... 1 10,161
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 110
Battery Saver ........................ 90,93
Brake Warning ........................ 112
Bulb Replacement ...................... 250
Courtesy/Reading ...................... 92
Daytime Running ....................... 89
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................ 91
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 113
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 116
Exterior .............................. 67
Fog .............................. 90,110
Hazard Warning Flasher .............. 111,190
Headlight Switch ....................... 88
Headlights ......................... 88,252
Headlights On Reminder ................. 90 High Beam
........................ 91,109
High Beam Indicator .................... 109
Illuminated Entry ....................... 17
Instrument Cluster ...................... 88
Intensity Control ....................... 93
Interior ............................ 91,93
Lights On Reminder ..................... 90
LowTire ............................ 113
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 110
Map Reading .......................... 92
Oil Pressure .......................... 117
Park ................................ 88
Passing .............................. 91
Reading ............................. 92
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 115
Service ........................... 250,251
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 110
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........ 113,179
Turn Signal ...................... 67,91,111
10
INDEX 303
Occupant Restraints..................... 32,53
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 181
Odometer ............................. 108
Trip ................................ 108
Oil, Engine ....................... 214,260,261
Capacity ............................ 260
Change Interval ....................... 214
Checking ............................ 214
Dipstick ............................. 214
Disposal ............................ 216
Filter ............................ 216,261
Filter Disposal ........................ 216
Materials Added to ..................... 216
Pressure Gauge ....................... 117
Recommendation ................... 215,260
Viscosity ............................ 260
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 216
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............210,211
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4Outside Rearview Mirrors
.................. 83
Overheating, Engine ...................... 190
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,291
Paint Care ............................. 237
Paint Damage .......................... 237
Panic Alarm ............................ 21
Parking Brake .......................... 155
Parking On Hill ......................... 155
Passing Light ........................... 91
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ 97
Pets .................................. 62
Pets, Transporting ........................ 62
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 167
Polishing and Waxing ..................... 238
Power Accessory Delay ...................... 13,28
Brakes .............................. 157
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 244
10
INDEX 305