Page 231 of 630

NOTE:The wipers will automatically return to the
“park” position if you turn OFF the ignition switch while
they are operating. The wipers will resume operation
when you turn the ignition switch back to the ON
position.
CAUTION!
•Turn the windshield wipers OFF when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage to the
windshield wipers may result if the wiper control
is left in any position other than OFF.
•In cold weather, always turn OFF the wiper switch
and allow the wipers to return to the park position
before turning OFF the engine. If the wiper switch
is left ON and the wipers freeze to the windshield,
damage to the wiper motor may occur when the
vehicle is restarted.
•
Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents the
windshield wiper blades from returning to the “park”
position. If the windshield wiper control is turned
OFF, and the blades cannot return to the “park”
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.Front Wiper Control
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 229
Page 525 of 630
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L..........525
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L..........526
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .527
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............527
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS.............528
REPLACEMENT PARTS..................529
DEALER SERVICE......................530
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES...........530
▫Engine Oil..........................531▫Engine Oil Filter......................534
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................534
▫Maintenance-Free Battery...............535
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............537
▫A/C Air Filter – If Equipped.............538
▫Body Lubrication.....................540
▫Windshield Wiper Blades...............541
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................543
▫Exhaust System......................544
▫Cooling System......................546
7
Page 543 of 630

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 depending
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance 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 necessary.
Rear Wiper Blade Removal/Installation
1. Lift the pivot cap on the rear wiper arm upward, this
will allow the rear wiper blade to be raised off of the
liftgate glass.
1 — Wiper Arm
2 — Pivot Cap
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 541
Page 545 of 630

4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the wiper blade
holder at the end of the wiper arm, and firmly press
the wiper blade until it snaps into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot cap into
place.
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.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 l) of washer
fluid when the message “LoWASH” appears in the
instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you.
Care must be exercised when filling or working
around the washer solution.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 543
Page 628 of 630
Windshield Defroster.......................106
Windshield Washers.......................227
Fluid................................543
Windshield Wiper Blades....................541
Windshield Wipers........................227Wiper Blade Replacement...................541
Wiper, Delay.............................228
Wiper, Rear.............................283
Wipers, Intermittent.......................228
Wrecker Towing..........................519
626 INDEX