Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and the rear window washer
share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C),
which is the normal operating temperature after the
vehicle is driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid
cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Cold fluid is at a temperature of approximately 80° F
(27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole.
•If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the up-
per two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick
tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make sure that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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S480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
About Your Brakes........................328
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)................331
Accessory Delay, Power......................12
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............443
Adding Fuel.............................379
Adding Washer Fluid......................438
Additives, Fuel...........................373
Airbag..................................57
Airbag Deployment........................65
Airbag Light.............................62
Airbag Maintenance........................66
Airbag, Side..............................60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)................61
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .432
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................434
Air Conditioning..........................285
Air Conditioning Controls...................285
Air Conditioning Filter.....................297
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..............298Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................434
Air Conditioning System....................285
Air Pressure, Tires.........................351
Alarm System (Security Alarm)................18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.....................273
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................442
Disposal.............................445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................331
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................331
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)..........18
Appearance Care.........................453
Ashtray................................205
Assistance Towing.........................143
Auto Down Power Windows..................36
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................126
Automatic Door Locks......................33
Automatic Oil Change Indicator...............227
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........290
498 INDEX
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............336
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......236
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking..............................400
Jump Starting.........................410
Towing..............................417
Emission Control System Maintenance..........426
Engine.................................423
Air Cleaner...........................432
Block Heater..........................304
Break-In Recommendations................90
Checking Oil Level.....................429
Compartment.........................424
Compartment Identification...............424
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................442
Cooling..............................441
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................91
Fuel Requirements......................370
Jump Starting.........................410Oil .................................429
Oil Change Interval.....................227
Oil Filler Cap.........................423
Oil Selection..........................430
Oil Synthetic..........................431
Overheating..........................398
Starting..............................303
Temperature Gauge.....................220
Engine Oil Viscosity.......................431
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................431
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............64
Entry System, Illuminated....................21
Ethanol................................371
Event Data Recorder........................68
Exhaust Gas Caution........................91
Exhaust System...........................91
Extender, Seat Belt.........................56
Exterior Lights............................95
502 INDEX
Shoulder Belts............................43
Side Airbag..............................64
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters)............297
Signals, Turn.............................95
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)...................360
Snow Tires..............................354
Spare Tire...............................355
Speed Control (Cruise Control)................189
Speedometer.............................220
Starting.................................28
Cold Weather.........................304
Remote...............................28
Starting and Operating.....................303
Starting Procedures........................303
Steering
Power...............................327
Tilt Column...........................188
Wheel, Tilt...........................188
Steering Wheel Audio Controls...............283Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .283
Storage................................468
Storage, Vehicle...........................296
Stuck, Freeing............................415
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag..........57
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................431
System, Remote Starting.....................28
Tachometer..............................224
Taillights...............................473
Telescoping Steering Column.................188
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........290
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant............220
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)..................18
Theft System (Security Alarm).................18
Tilt Steering Column.......................188
Time Delay, Headlight......................179
Tip Start................................303
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........345
512 INDEX