CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures up to1 4in (6 mm) in the tire tread can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/h).
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position (OFF position for
Keyless Enter-N-Go). The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition switch
is in the ON position (RUN position for Keyless
Enter-N-Go).
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for
any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of the old
antifreeze solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant
and to ensure that coolant will return to the radiator from
the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With theengine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 144
Bulb Replacement ..................... 395,396
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,395
Calibration, Compass ..................... 196
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 401
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 322
Oil (Engine) ........................ 362
Power Steering ...................... 275
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 374
Car Washes ............................ 382
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............80,322
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 325
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,236
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 400
Certification Label ....................... 325
Chains, Tire ............................ 307 Chart, Tire Sizing
........................ 292
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 358
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80
Checks, Safety ........................... 80
Child Restraint .................. 70,71,72,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 318
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 384
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 367
Clock ............................. 203,212
Cold Weather Operation ................... 254
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 236
Compass .............................. 195
Compass Calibration ..................... 196
Compass Variance ....................... 196
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 189
438 INDEX
ConnectorUCI .............................. 226
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 226
Console .............................. 166
Console, Floor .......................... 166
Console, Overhead ....................... 151
Contract, Service ........................ 429
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 374
Cooling System ......................... 371
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 373
Coolant Capacity ..................... 401
Coolant Level .................... 372,375
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 375
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 372
Inspection .......................... 375
Points to Remember .................. 375
Pressure Cap ........................ 374
Radiator Cap ....................... 374
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....372,401,402 Corrosion Protection
..................... 382
Cruise Light ........................... 174
Cupholders ......................... 165,387
Customer Assistance ..................... 427
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 69
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 144
Daytime Running Lights ................... 141
Dealer Service .......................... 359
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 42
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 40
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 168
Defroster, Windshield ................... 82,240
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 145
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 357
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 143
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 361
Power Steering ...................... 275
10
INDEX 439
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 303
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 374
Radio Operation ........................ 236
Radio Remote Controls .................... 234
Rear Cupholder ......................... 166
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 136
Rear Window Defroster ................... 168
Rear Window Features .................... 168
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 69
Recreational Towing ...................... 327
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 318
Refrigerant ............................ 367
Release, Hood .......................... 137
Reminder, Lights On ..................... 141
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 54 Remote Control
Starting System ....................... 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 234
Remote Starting System .................... 27
Remote Trunk Release ..................... 40
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 395
Replacement Keys ........................ 17
Replacement Parts ....................... 359
Replacement Tires ....................... 306
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 430
Restraint, Head ......................... 133
Restraints, Child ......................... 70
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 42
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck ................ 346
Rotation, Tires .......................... 309
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 81
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 83
10
INDEX 449