Page 69 of 315

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
Page 218 of 315

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 to
check the oil level is approximately five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is turned off or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add
oil only when the level is below the SAFE mark.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to see if any apply to you.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow “Maintenance Sched-
ule B.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 270 of 315

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.
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S266 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 303 of 315

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
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INDEX 299
Page 309 of 315

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