release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110-115 Volt ACelectrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
The engine block heater cord is located:
•3.7L Engine — coiled and strapped to the engine oil
dipstick tube.
•5.7L Engine — bundled and fastened to the injector
harness.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
Engine Oil Viscosity
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multiple Displacement System (MDS).
Refer to “Multi-Displacement System” in Section 5 for
more details.
Lubricants, which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber, should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils if the recommended oil
quality requirements are met, and the recommended
maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are
followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to wipe frost or ice from the
windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.
Adding Washer Fluid
On vehicles equipped with a Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC), the low washer fluid level will be
indicated. When the sensor detects a low fluid level, the windshield will light on the vehicle graphic outline and
the “WASHER FLUID LOW” message will be displayed.
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment, be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Fluid Level Check (5.7L Engine)
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again, and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. The fluid level is only valid if there is a
solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick tube.
Do
not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil through the
oil fill tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 274
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 119
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 275
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 169
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . 167,170
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 255
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 342
Jacking ............................. 343
Jump Starting ......................... 351
Tow Hooks .......................... 353
Emission Control System Maintenance ......360,412
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 366
Block Heater ......................... 245
Break-In Recommendations ................ 73
Compartment ...................... 357,358
Compartment Identification ............357,358
Cooling ............................. 374 Exhaust Gas Caution
................ 38,74,317
Fails to Start .......................... 244
Flooded, Starting ...................... 244
Fuel Requirements .................. 314,407
Multi-Displacement .................... 271
Oil .............................. 363,407
Oil Change Interval .................... 364
Oil Disposal .......................... 365
Oil Filter ............................ 366
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 365
Oil Selection ....................... 364,407
Oil Synthetic ......................... 365
Overheating .......................... 342
Starting ............................. 243
Temperature Gauge .................... 166
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 365
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 365
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 58
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
446 INDEX
Snow Plow............................ 336
Spare Tire .......................... 297,344
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) ........................ 314
Oil ................................ 364
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 119
Speedometer ........................... 160
Starting ............................. 26,243
Automatic Transmission ................. 243
Cold Weather ...................... 244,245
Engine Block Heater .................... 245
Engine Fails to Start .................... 244
Remote .............................. 26
Steering Power ........................... 265,266
Tilt Column .......................... 117
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 117
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls .............................. 220 Storage
............................... 400
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 236,400
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 400
Sun Roof .............................. 137
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 85
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 49
Sway Control, Trailer ..................... 280
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 365
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 163
Telescoping Steering Column ............... 117
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 226
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 166
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 68
Theft System Arming ...................... 19
Theft System Disarming .................... 20
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 117
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 111
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 290
10
INDEX 457