Page 406 of 664

▫General Information ...................486
FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................486
▫ 3.6L Engine — If Equipped ...............486
▫ 5.7L Engine — If Equipped ...............486
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................487
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............487
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......488
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................489
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................489
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................490
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............491
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .492▫
E-85 General Information ...............492
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................492
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................493
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............494
▫ Starting ........................... .494
▫ Cruising Range ...................... .494
▫ Replacement Parts ....................495
▫ Maintenance ....................... .495
ADDING FUEL ....................... .495
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release .........498
VEHICLE LOADING ....................499
▫ Certification Label ....................499
404 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 489 of 664

an octane range of 87 to 89. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance.
The use of premium gasoline is not recommended, as it
will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasoline contain oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as Ethanol. Fuels blended with oxygenates
may be used in your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 487
Page 490 of 664

CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or gaso-
line containing more than 10% Ethanol. Use of these
blends may result in starting and drivability prob-
lems, damage critical fuel system components, cause
emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to illumi-
nate. Pump labels should clearly communicate if a
fuel contains greater than 10% Ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline containing
Methanol or gasoline containing more than 10% Ethanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
not be covered under New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible with gaso-
line containing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher
ethanol content may void the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
• Operate in a lean mode.
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on.
• Poor engine performance.
• Poor cold start and cold drivability.
• Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.
488 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 492 of 664

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate ser-
vice. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentrations
of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such
fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
490 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 494 of 664
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by a unique
fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E-85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline-only powered vehicles.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E-85.
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
E-85 Badge
492 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 495 of 664

WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•
You do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling.
• You drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km).
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
• Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may experience
hard starting and rough idle following start up even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
• Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 493
Page 497 of 664
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
ADDING FUEL
1. Press the fuel filler door release switch (located underthe headlamp switch).
Fuel Filler Door Release Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 495
Page 649 of 664

Overheating.......................... .526
Starting ............................. .406
Temperature Gauge ..................... .294
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .569
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................569
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............80
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .487
Event Data Recorder ........................84
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................50
Exhaust System ...........................115
Exterior Lights ...........................118
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .570
Air Conditioning ...................... .398
Engine Oil ........................... .570
Engine Oil Disposal .....................570
Flashers ............................... .526Hazard Warning
....................... .526
Turn Signal ............................118
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .494
Engine Oil ........................... .494
Fuel Requirements ..................... .492
Maintenance .......................... .495
Replacement Parts ...................... .495
Starting ............................. .494
Flooded Engine Starting ....................410
Fluid Capacities ......................... .618
Fluid Leaks .............................118
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................595
Brake ............................... .590
Engine Oil ........................... .567
Power Steering ........................ .438
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........619
Fog Lights ............................. .293
10
INDEX 647