Page 209 of 505

the bulb does not come on when turning the key from
LOCK to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
Page 312 of 505

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 377 of 505

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly — including hazard flashers.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, select the
“3” range (for a four-speed automatic) or select a lower
gear (using the AutoStickfeature, for a six-speed).
NOTE: Using lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions, will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking. If you
REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transmission
fluid level before towing. The AutoStick six-speed trans-
mission is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked.
See your authorized dealership service center for
assistance.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
Page 408 of 505

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 460 of 505
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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and 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.
8
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S458 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 486 of 505

Calibration, Compass..................... 216
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 451
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 361
Oil (Engine) ...................... 403,411
Power Steering ...................... 309
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 424
Car Washes ............................ 433
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............80,357
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 363
Cellular Phone ....................... 11 1,275
Certification Label ....................... 363
Chains, Tire ............................ 341
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 380
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 324
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 406
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 79
Checks, Safety ........................... 79 Child Restraint
.................... 67,69,73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............71,73
Cigar Lighter ........................... 181
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 353
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 435
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 418
Climate Control ......................... 275
Clock ........................ 221,224,243,252
Coin Holder ........................... 183
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 275
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 336
Compass ........................... 208,216
Compass Calibration ..................... 216
Compass Variance ....................... 217
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 214
Connector UCI .............................. 266
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 266
484 INDEX
Page 490 of 505

Fuel Requirements................. 357,359
Maintenance ........................ 361
Replacement Parts .................... 360
Starting ........................... 360
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 295
Floor Console .......................... 183
Fluid Capacities ......................... 451
Fluid Leaks ............................. 83
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............431,432
Brake .......................... 427,453
Cooling System ...................... 422
Engine Oil ......................... 409
Power Steering ................... 309,453
Fluids ................................ 452
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 452
Fog Light Service ........................ 449
Fog Lights .................... 157,160,203,449
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 395 Fuel
................................. 353
Adding ........................... 361
Additives .......................... 355
Clean Air .......................... 353
Ethanol ........................... 354
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............194,361
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 194
Gasoline ........................... 353
Gauge ............................ 194
Light ............................. 195
Materials Added ..................... 355
Methanol .......................... 354
Octane Rating .................... 353,452
Requirements .................... 353,451
Tank Capacity ....................... 451
Fuel System Caution ..................... 362
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 357
Fueling ............................... 361
Fuses ................................ 441
488 INDEX
Page 494 of 505

High Beam/Low Beam Select............ 162
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 157
Interior ............................ 163
License ............................ 451
Lights On Reminder .................. 158
Low Fuel .......................... 195
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 206
Map Reading ....................... 163
Oil Pressure ........................ 196
Park ........................... 157,158
Passing ............................ 162
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 195
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 203
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......205,343
Traction Control ..................... 321
Turn Signal ............ 83,157,162,203,449,450
Voltage ............................ 195 Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 194
Loading Vehicle ...................... 363,365
Capacities .......................... 365
Tires .............................. 328
Locks ................................. 30
Auto Unlock ......................... 32
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Door .............................. 30
Power Door ......................... 31
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 343
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 71,73
Lubrication, Body ....................... 417
Lumbar Support ........................ 150
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 413
Maintenance Procedures ................... 408
Maintenance Schedule .................... 456
Maintenance, General ..................... 408
492 INDEX