Page 433 of 505

Fluid Level Check – 2.4L Engine
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80° F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
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
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 459 of 505
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 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.
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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.
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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 488 of 505

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 425
Engine Oil ......................... 412
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 172
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 151
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 306
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 307
E-85 Fuel ............................. 357
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 188
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 109
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 178
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 169
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 319
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 210Emergency Deck Lid Release
................ 38
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 38
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 380
Jump Starting ....................... 390
Overheating ........................ 378
Towing ............................ 397
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 406
Engine ............................... 403
Air Cleaner ......................... 413
Block Heater ........................ 297
Break-In Recommendations .............. 78
Checking Oil Level ................... 409
Compartment ....................... 404
Compartment Identification ............. 404
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 422,452
Cooling ........................... 422
Exhaust Gas Caution ................80,357
Fails to Start ........................ 295
486 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
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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