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 engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
reserve tank.
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 precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the en-
gine 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 scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
524 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature, the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering 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.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
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
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 555
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............269,409
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 522
Adding Fuel ........................... 457
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 512
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 514
Air Conditioning ........................ 351
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 351
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 515
Air Conditioning System ................351,355
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 363
Air Filter .............................. 512
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 437
Airbag ................................ 59
Airbag Deployment ....................... 67
Airbag Light ..................... 65,70,87,270
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 69
Airbag, Side ............................ 66
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm Light
........................... 271
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................314,339
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 409
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 549
Appearance Care ........................ 532
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 19
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 289
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 355
Automatic Transmission ................... 527
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 527
Fluid Level Check .................... 528
Fluid Type ......................... 527
Gear Ranges ........................ 379
Shifting ........................... 378
582 INDEX
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............277,507
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .................... 71,72,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 38
Child Seat .............................. 75
Climate Control ......................... 351
Clock ........................... 300,318,328
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 350
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 440
Compass ........................ 281,285,292
Compass Calibration .................. 285,293
Compass Variance .................... 284,293
Computer, Trip/Travel .................281,290
Connector UCI .............................. 342
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 342Console
.............................. 169
Console, Floor .......................... 169
Contract, Service ........................ 575
Cooling System ......................... 520
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 522
Coolant Capacity ..................... 549
Coolant Level ....................... 524
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 523
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 521
Inspection .......................... 520
Points to Remember .................. 524
Pressure Cap ........................ 523
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......521,549
Corrosion Protection ..................... 532
Cruise Light ........................... 272
Cupholders ............................ 168
Customer Assistance ..................... 573
584 INDEX
Fabric Care......................... 535,536
Fabric Top ............................. 536
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 512
Air Conditioning ..................... 362
Engine Oil ......................... 512
Finish Care ............................ 533
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 484
Turn Signal ................. 89,267,547,548
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 371
Fluid Capacities ......................... 549
Fluid Leaks ............................. 89
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 532
Automatic Transmission ................ 527
Engine Oil ......................... 510
Manual Transmission .................. 530
Power Steering ...................... 406
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 550Fog Light Service
........................ 547
Fog Lights .......................... 152,547
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat ................. 144
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 146
Folding Windshield ...................... 253
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 383
Shifting ........................... 385
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 383
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 484
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 495
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 531
Fuel ................................. 452
Ethanol ........................... 453
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 457
Gasoline ........................... 452
Gauge ............................ 266
Materials Added ..................... 455
Methanol .......................... 453
Octane Rating ....................... 452
10
INDEX 587
Keys................................. 14
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 267
Lane Change Assist ...................... 152
Lap Belts .............................. 47
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 47
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) .....76,78
Latches ................................ 89
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 452
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 89
Light Bulbs ............................. 89
Lights .............................. 89,149
Airbag ...................... 65,70,87,270
Alarm ............................ 271
Anti-Lock .......................... 269
Anti-Lock Warning ................... 269
Back-Up ........................... 548
Brake Assist Warning .................. 422 Brake Warning
...................... 268
Bulb Replacement .................... 546
Cargo ............................. 154
Center Mounted Stop .................. 549
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ...... 277
Cruise ............................ 272
Daytime Running .................... 153
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 422
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ....... 280
Exterior ............................ 89
Fog ............................ 152,547
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 484
Headlight Switch ..................... 150
Headlights ......................... 546
High Beam ......................... 267
High Beam Indicator .................. 267
Hill Descent Control Indicator ........... 424
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
590 INDEX