Page 556 of 698

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range.
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
554 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 605 of 698
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........605
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .606
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............606
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ..........................607
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................609
DEALER SERVICE ......................609
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........610
▫ Engine Oil ..........................611
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................613 ▫
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................613
▫ Exhaust System ......................614
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............616
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............617
▫ Body Lubrication .....................620
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............620
▫ Cooling System ......................622
▫ Brake System ........................628
▫ Automatic Transmission ................630
7
Page 633 of 698

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shud-
der, and will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
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
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 trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 631
Page 634 of 698

CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
632 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 661 of 698

•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill 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 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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Page 664 of 698
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
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S662 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 678 of 698

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............624
Adding Fuel .............................538
Adding Washer Fluid ......................621
Additives, Fuel ...........................532
Adjustable Pedals .........................238
Airbag ..................................76
Airbag Deployment ........................88
Airbag Light .............................85
Airbag Maintenance ........................89
Airbag, Side ..............................79
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................81
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ....613
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................617
Air Conditioning ..........................434
Air Conditioning Controls ...................434
Air Conditioning Filter .....................453
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .................439
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................617
Air Conditioning System ....................434 Air Conditioning System, Zone Control
..........434
Air Pressure, Tires .........................507
AlarmLight.............................322
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................373
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................623
Disposal ..............................626
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................317
Appearance Care .........................632
Ashtray ................................282
Assistance Towing .........................162
Assist, Hill Start ..........................491
Auto Down Power Windows ..................43
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................133
Automatic Door Locks ......................39
Automatic Headlights ......................225
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........442
Automatic Transmission ....................462
676 INDEX
Page 679 of 698

Adding Fluid..........................631
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................632
Fluid Change ..........................632
Fluid Level Check .......................631
FluidType ............................630
Gear Ranges ...........................466
Special Additives .......................631
Torque Converter .......................474
Auto Up Power Windows ....................43
Battery .................................616
Jump Starting ..........................593
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Saving Feature (Protection) ................231
Belts, Seat ...............................121
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................620
B-Pillar Location ..........................501
Brake Assist System .......................485
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............484Brake Fluid
.............................655
Brake System ............................628
Fluid Check ...........................629
Parking ..............................479
Warning Light .........................322
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................464
Bulb Replacement .........................649
Bulbs,Light.............................124
Calibration, Compass ......................342
Camera, Rear ............................254
Capacities, Fluid ..........................653
Caps, Filler Fuel .................................538
Power Steering .........................478
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................626
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................120
Cargo Area Features .......................297
Cargo Compartment .......................297
10
INDEX 677