The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As
long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• 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)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
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. You would not have your full
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 system 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid which has the special friction coefficient additives
necessary for proper steel belt traction on the drive and
driven pulleys. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid at
the correct level using the recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic transmission fluid is an engineered product
and its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to
the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
8
M
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E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 477
Fluid Level Check..................... .456
Fluid Type .......................... .455
Gear Ranges ......................... .323
Special Additives ...................... .456
Autostick .............................. .329
Battery ................................ .441
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........25
Belts, Seat ...............................98
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................443
B-Pillar Location ......................... .355
Brake Assist System ...................... .340
Brake Fluid ............................ .474
Brake, Parking .......................... .334
Brakes ................................ .336
Brake System ........................... .336
Anti-Lock (ABS) ...................... .337
Master Cylinder ....................... .453
Parking ............................. .334Warning Light
........................ .215
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................322
Bulb Replacement ........................ .469
Bulbs, Light ............................ .101
Calibration, Compass ..................... .237
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........472
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .472
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... .386
Oil (Engine) ......................... .431
Power Steering ....................... .333
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ...............450
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................97
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .198
Cargo Area Features ...................... .197
Cargo Compartment ...................... .197
Light .............................. .197
Luggage Carrier ...................... .204
10
INDEX 495
Cargo Light............................ .197
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .200
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .200
Car Washes ............................ .460
Cellular Phone ...........................112
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............472
Chains, Tire ............................ .369
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .408
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .351
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .434
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............96
Checks, Safety ............................96
Child Restraint ............................76
Child Safety Locks .........................33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .382
Cleaning Wheels ............................. .461
Climate Control ......................... .297
Clock ................................. .241Clutch
................................ .453
Clutch Fluid ............................ .453
Coin Holder ............................ .196
Cold Weather Operation ....................317
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............296
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .364
Compass .............................. .226
Compass Calibration ...................... .237
Compass Variance ........................ .238
Connector UCI ............................... .287
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) .........287
Console ............................... .196
Contract, Service ......................... .487
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................... .472
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........450
Cooling System .......................... .447
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............449
Coolant Level ........................ .448
496 INDEX
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............345
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......228
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. .408
Jump Starting ........................ .419
Towing ............................. .426
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........434
Engine ................................ .431
Air Cleaner .......................... .440
Block Heater ......................... .318
Break-In Recommendations ................96
Checking Oil Level .....................437
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................448
Cooling ............................. .447
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................97
Fuel Requirements ..................... .381
Jump Starting ........................ .419
Oil ................................ .437
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .431Oil Selection
......................... .438
Oil Synthetic ......................... .439
Overheating ......................... .406
Temperature Gauge .....................217
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Ethanol ............................... .382
Event Data Recorder ........................75
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................39
Exhaust System ...........................97
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .440
Air Conditioning ...................... .308
Engine Oil ........................... .440
Engine Oil Disposal .....................439
Flashers ............................... .406
Hazard Warning ...................... .406
Turn Signal .......................... .101
498 INDEX
Flooded Engine Starting....................317
Fluid, Brake ............................ .474
Fluid Capacities ......................... .472
Fluid Leaks ............................ .101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................456
Cooling System ....................... .448
Power Steering ....................... .333
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........473
Fog Lights ............................. .164
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .158
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) ...................158
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .331
Systems ............................ .331
Four Wheel Drive Operation .................331
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................423
Fuel .................................. .381
Adding ............................. .386
Additives ........................... .384Capacity
............................ .472
Clean Air ........................... .382
Ethanol ............................. .382
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ....................386
Gasoline ............................ .381
Gauge .............................. .212
Light .............................. .213
Materials Added ...................... .384
Methanol ........................... .382
Octane Rating ........................ .381
Requirements ........................ .381
Tank Capacity ........................ .472
Fueling ............................... .386
Fuel System Caution ...................... .387
Fuses ................................. .465
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink )
.............176
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................386
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .382
10
INDEX 499