CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid speci-
fications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives 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 – 3.6L Engine
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 637
CAUTION!
•If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (approximately 180°F /
82°C). This occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid can-
not be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Use the following procedure to check the fluid level
properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the shift lever in
PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again, 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.
The holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the
actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between theHOT(upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level.Do not overfill.
638 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Use ONLY the recommended fluid (seeFluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Partsfor fluid specifications).
After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick
tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 639
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 ascheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than 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
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•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
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
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.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 665
Fluid and Filter Changes.................639
Fluid Change.........................639
Fluid Level Check......................636
Fluid Type...........................636
Special Additives.......................637
Autostick...............................455
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........277
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................277
Battery.................................617
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........27
Belts, Seat...............................55
Blind Spot Monitoring......................127
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................621
B-Pillar Location..........................513
Brake Assist System.......................495
Brake Control System, Electronic..............494
Brake Fluid.............................633Brake System............................632
Anti-Lock (ABS).......................494
Fluid Check...........................633
Master Cylinder........................633
Parking..............................491
Warning Light.........................308
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................448
Bulb Replacement.........................652
Bulbs, Light.............................113
Calibration, Compass......................337
Camera, Rear............................255
Capacities, Fluid..........................659
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................550
Oil (Engine)..........................615
Power Steering........................490
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...............630
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................110
10
INDEX 683
Cargo Area Cover.........................290
Cargo Area Features.......................287
Cargo Compartment.......................287
Light...............................288
Cargo Light.............................288
Cargo Tie-Downs.........................291
Car Washes.............................640
Cellular Phone...........................417
Center High Mounted Stop Light..............658
Certification Label.........................553
Chains, Tire.............................528
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................509
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .610
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............109
Checks, Safety...........................109
Child Restraint............................83
Child Safety Locks.........................36
Clean Air Gasoline........................542Cleaning
Wheels..............................642
Climate Control..........................418
Clock..................................348
Cold Weather Operation....................443
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............417
Compact Spare Tire........................523
Compass...............................336
Compass Calibration.......................337
Compass Variance.........................336
Computer, Trip/Travel......................332
Connector
UCI ................................373
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI).........373
Conserving Fuel..........................330
Console, Overhead........................258
Contract, Service..........................675
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........630
684 INDEX
Event Data Recorder........................82
Exhaust Gas Caution........................50
Exhaust System...........................110
Exterior Lights...........................113
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................616
Air Conditioning.......................619
Engine Oil............................616
Engine Oil Disposal.....................616
Flashers................................582
Hazard Warning.......................582
Turn Signal...........................113
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................549
Engine Oil............................548
Fuel Requirements......................546
Maintenance..........................549
Replacement Parts......................549Starting..............................549
Flipper Glass, Liftgate.......................47
Flooded Engine Starting....................443
Fluid Capacities..........................659
Fluid Leaks.............................113
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................637
Brake...............................633
Engine Oil............................613
Power Steering........................490
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........660
Fog Lights..............................305
Fog Light Service.........................655
Folding Rear Seat.........................187
Forward Collision Warning..................241
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................582
Four Wheel Drive.........................467
Operation............................467
Systems.............................467
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INDEX 687