
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
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.If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the “Brake Warning
Light” will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on
is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per-
formance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You could
have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343

gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 emissions.
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
462 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
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 487

Fluid Level Check..................... .466
Fluid Type .......................... .464
Gear Ranges ......................... .322
Special Additives ...................... .465
Autostick .............................. .327
Battery ................................ .448
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........25
Belts, Seat ...............................98
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................452
B-Pillar Location ......................... .363
Brake Assist System ...................... .347
Brake Fluid ............................ .483
Brake, Parking .......................... .340
Brakes ................................ .343
Brake System ........................... .343
Anti-Lock (ABS) ...................... .344
Master Cylinder ....................... .462
Parking ............................. .340Warning Light
........................ .215
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................320
Bulb Replacement ........................ .478
Bulbs, Light ............................ .100
Calibration, Compass ..................... .237
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........481
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .481
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... .394
Oil (Engine) ......................... .439
Power Steering ....................... .339
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ...............459
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................97
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .198
Cargo Area Features ...................... .197
Cargo Compartment ...................... .197
Light .............................. .197
Luggage Carrier ...................... .205
10
INDEX 505

Cargo Light............................ .197
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .200
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .200
Car Washes ............................ .469
Cellular Phone ...........................111
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............480
Chains, Tire ............................ .378
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .415
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .358
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . .442
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............96
Checks, Safety ............................96
Child Restraint ............................75
Child Safety Locks .........................34
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .390
Cleaning Wheels ............................. .470
Climate Control ......................... .295
Clock ................................. .241Clutch
................................ .462
Clutch Fluid ............................ .462
Coin Holder ............................ .196
Cold Weather Operation ....................315
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............294
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .373
Compass .............................. .226
Compass Calibration ...................... .237
Compass Variance ........................ .237
Connector UCI ............................... .286
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) .........286
Console ............................... .196
Contract, Service ......................... .497
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................... .481
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........459
Cooling System .......................... .457
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............458
Coolant Level ........................ .457
506 INDEX

Traction Control System..................346
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........172
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............352
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......228
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. .415
Jump Starting ........................ .427
Towing ............................. .434
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........442
Engine ................................ .439
Air Cleaner .......................... .448
Block Heater ......................... .316
Break-In Recommendations ................96
Checking Oil Level .....................445
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................457
Cooling ............................. .457
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................97
Fuel Requirements ..................... .389
Jump Starting ........................ .427Oil ................................
.445
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .439
Oil Selection ......................... .446
Oil Synthetic ......................... .447
Overheating ......................... .414
Temperature Gauge .....................218
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Ethanol ............................... .390
Event Data Recorder ........................74
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................39
Exhaust System ...........................97
Exterior Lights .......................... .100
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .448
Air Conditioning ...................... .307
Engine Oil ........................... .447
Engine Oil Disposal .....................447
508 INDEX