
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% Ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher Ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “check engine light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold driveability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosionTo recover from a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled
once with E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank
•change the engine oil
•replace the fuel filter and oil filter
•disconnect the battery to reset the engine controller
long term adaptive memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasoline blended with MMT offers no performance
advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT has been
shown to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) per-
formance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission , the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system. The
two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in
one system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297

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 the engine coolant reservoir
and brake master cylinder, 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.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with 17” summer tires,
more frequent tire rotation may be necessary to achieve
optimal tread wear, and tire rotation at each oil change
indicator message is recommended.
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 319

Brake System........................ 205,297
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 205,207
Master Cylinder ..................... 297
Parking ........................... 202
Warning Light ....................... 131
Brake, Parking .......................... 202
Brakes ............................... 297
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 63
Bulbs, Light ............................ 68
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 314
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 314
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 243
Oil (Engine) ........................ 281
Car Washes ............................ 301
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............65,242
Cargo Area Features ...................... 116
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 151 Cellular Phone
.......................... 179
Chains, Tire ............................ 232
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 259
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 215
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ............................. 129,276
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 64
Checks, Safety ........................... 64
Child Restraint ........................ 53,55
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 57
Child Seat .............................. 58
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 239
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 302
Climate Control ......................... 180
Clutch ............................... 297
Clutch Fluid ........................... 297
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 179
10
INDEX 343

Brake Assist System................... 207
Traction Control System ................ 208
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 100
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 135
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 248
Jacking ............................ 259
Jump Starting ....................... 266
Towing ............................ 271
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 276
Engine Break-In Recommendations .............. 63
Checking Oil Level ................... 280
Compartment ....................... 275
Cooling ........................... 292
Exhaust Gas Caution ................65,242
Fails to Start ........................ 198
Flooded, Starting ..................... 198 Fuel Requirements
.................... 238
Oil ......................... 280,314,315
Oil Change Interval ................... 280
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 281
Oil Filter ........................... 315
Oil Selection ........................ 281
Overheating ........................ 248
Starting ........................... 196
Temperature Gauge ................... 133
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 47
Event Data Recorder ...................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 24,65,242
Exhaust System ....................... 65,289
Exterior Lights .......................... 68
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 135
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 282
Engine Oil ....................... 282,315
10
INDEX 345

Lane Change Assist....................... 94
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 27
Latches ................................ 68
Hood .............................. 89
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 238
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 68
Life of Tires ............................ 229
Liftgate (Sedan) .......................... 23
Light Bulbs ............................. 68
Lights ............................. 68,91,92
Airbag ...................... 44,52,66,126
Anti-Lock .......................... 132
Brake Assist Warning .................. 212
Brake Warning ...................... 131
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 130
Exterior ............................ 68
Fog .............................. 125
High Beam .......................... 92
High Beam Indicator .................. 125 Low Fuel
.......................... 125
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 129
Oil Pressure ........................ 129
Park .............................. 92
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 126
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction
Indicator) .......................... 129
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 127
Traction Control ..................... 212
Turn Signal ..................... 68,93,125
Voltage ............................ 126
Wait to Start ........................ 124
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 124
Loading Vehicle Tires .............................. 219
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 21
Door .............................. 19
Power Door ......................... 20
348 INDEX

Lubrication, Body....................... 286
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 283
Maintenance Procedures ................... 279
Maintenance Schedule .................... 318
Maintenance, General ..................... 279
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 129,277
Manual Transmission ..................... 300
Fluid Level Check .................... 300
Frequency of Fluid Change ............. 300
Lubricant Selection ................... 300
Manual, Service ......................... 336
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 297
Mirrors ................................ 72
Automatic Dimming ................... 72
Electric Powered ...................... 74
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 233
Multi-Function Control Lever ................ 92New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 63
Occupant Restraints ..................... 43,49
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........24,40,41,43,46
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 238
Odometer ............................. 134
Trip .............................. 134
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 138
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 138
Oil, Engine ......................... 280,314
Capacity ........................... 314
Change Interval ..................... 280
Checking .......................... 280
Disposal ........................... 282
Filter ............................. 282
Identification Logo ................... 281
Materials Added to ................... 282
Recommendation .................. 281,314
Viscosity ........................... 281
10
INDEX 349