COLD WEATHER OPERATION (Engine Block Heater)
Engine Block Heater
•To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit
engine cranking when the ambient temperature is less than –22° F (–30° C) and the oil
temperature sensor reading indicates an engine block heater has not been used.An
externally-powered electric engine block heater is available as optional equipment or from your
authorized dealer.
• The message "plug in engine heater" will be displayed in the instrument cluster when the
ambient temperature is below 5° F (–15° C) at the time the engine is shut off as a reminder to
avoid possible crank delays at the next cold start.
If Engine Fails To Start
CAUTION!
•Use of the recommended SAE 5W-30 oil and adhering to the prescribed oil change
intervals is important to prevent engine damage and ensure satisfactory starting in
cold conditions.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.Vehicles equipped with
an automatic transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
• To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously crank the engine for more
than 15 seconds at a time.Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in
an attempt to start the vehicle.This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal
injury.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
•Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the
MIL after engine start.The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical
driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage.We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
•This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains
on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
•This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible.A chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
•This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you drive
to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Air Bag Warning Light
•If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced
by an authorized service center immediately.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
•In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine
idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor and the
Fan control to high.This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in
removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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