Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel. Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
• Left front turn signal lamp out
• Right front turn signal lamp out
• Left rear turn signal lamp out
• Right rear turn signal lamp out
• Service air filter
• Check Tire Pressure
• Perform service
• ESP Off
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Coolant Low • Check Trailer Brake Wiring
• Service Trailer Brake System
• Trailer Brake Connected
• Trailer Brake Disconnected
• Lights On
• Keyfob Battery Low
• ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
• Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime, if vehicle is in
motion)
• Wrong Key
• Damaged Key
• Key not programmed
• Key In Ignition 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 311
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped .......................... 313
Tire Chains .......................... 313
Snow Tires .......................... 315
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 315
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .................... 316
Fuel Requirements ..................... 317
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 318
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 318
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 319
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 319
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 320 ▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 320
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 321
Adding Fuel ......................... 322
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 323
Vehicle Loading ...................... 324
▫ Certification Label ................... 324
Trailer Towing ........................ 326
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 326
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 329
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 330
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 330
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 331
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 261
WARNING! (Continued)• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar. Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under-inflated.
CAUTION!After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the valve stem.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 305
Tire Size
The tire size on the Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added. Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 325
CAUTION! (Continued)• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 394
Adding Fuel ........................... 322
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 149
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 384
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 387
Air Conditioning ........................ 248
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 248
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 258
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............. 387,388
Air Conditioning System ............. 248,252,387
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 305,313
Airbag ................................ 49
Airbag Deployment ....................... 56
Airbag Light ..................... 55,59,74,190
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 58
Airbag, Side ............................ 54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 54
Alarm Light ........................... 182 Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................ 232,241
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 393
Capacities ........................... 422
Disposal ............................ 396
Anti-Lock Warning Light ............... 190,293
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 405
Ashtray ............................... 160
Assistance Towing ....................... 102
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 82
Automatic Headlights .................... 141
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 252454 INDEX
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................. 403
Brake .............................. 398
Power Steering ........................ 289
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 423
Fog Lights ....................... 142,190,418
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 274
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 356
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 370
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 400
Fuel ................................. 317
Adding ............................. 322
Diesel .............................. 423
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 323
Filter ............................... 423
Gauge .............................. 179
Light ............................... 186
Octane Rating ........................ 317
Requirements ......................... 317 Tank Capacity ........................ 422
Fuses ................................ 410
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 323,378
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 317
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 318
Gauges
Coolant Temperature ................... 179
Fuel ............................... 179
Oil Pressure .......................... 182
Speedometer ......................... 180
Tachometer .......................... 179
Voltmeter ............................ 186
Gear Ranges ........................... 270
General Information .................. 18,25,118
Glass Cleaning .......................... 409
Grocery Bag Retainer ..................... 170
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 327
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 326
10 INDEX 459