Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat
belt or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four
to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is
not lit during starting, see your authorized
dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a flush is needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut
off, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range markings on the
dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a crosshatch zone.
Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the full
end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
(Continued)
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Brake Fluid............................ .371
Brake, Parking .......................... .235
Brakes ................................ .344
Brake System ........................... .237
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .237
Master Cylinder ....................... .344
Parking ............................. .235
Warning Light ........................ .158
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................218
Bulb Replacement ........................ .363
Bulbs, Light ..............................85
Camera, Rear ........................... .131
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........369
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .369
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .318
Oil (Engine) .......................... .325
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................82 Cargo Area Features
...................... .149
Car Washes ............................ .350
Cellular Phone .......................... .186
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............368
Chains, Tire ............................ .269
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .301
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .248
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .163
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............81
Checks, Safety ............................81
Child Restraint ............................61
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................76
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....74
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle
Seat Belt ..............................76
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......68
Child Safety Locks .........................24
Cigar Lighter ........................... .145
10
INDEX 393
DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .232
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ........144
Electrical Power Outlets .....................144
Electric Remote Mirrors ......................92
Electronic Brake Control System ...............239
Brake Assist System .....................239
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..............246
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........121
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............242
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......131
Exit Trip ............................. .173
Start Of Trip Procedure ...................173
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................29
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................287
Jacking .............................. .301Jump Starting
......................... .308
Towing ............................. .316
Emergency Trunk Release ....................29
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .326
Break-In Recommendations .................80
Checking Oil Level ..................... .324
Compartment ......................... .321
Cooling ............................. .338
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................82
Fails to Start .......................... .213
Flooded, Starting ...................... .213
Fuel Requirements ..................... .277
Oil................................. .324
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .325
Oil Selection .......................... .325
Overheating .......................... .287
Starting ..............................211
Temperature Gauge ..................... .159
10
INDEX 395
Rearview..............................90
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................271
Multi-Function Control Lever .................110
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................80
Occupant Restraints ........................49
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................30
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................277
Odometer .............................. .166
Trip ................................ .166
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .171
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................171
Oil, Engine ............................. .324
Capacity ............................ .369
Change Interval ....................... .325
Checking ............................ .324
Disposal ............................. .326Filter
............................... .326
Filter Disposal ........................ .326
Materials Added to ..................... .326
Recommendation ...................... .325
Viscosity ............................ .325
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .326
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................322
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............133
Operating Precautions ..................... .322
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............5
Overheating, Engine ...................... .160
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............5
Paint Care ............................. .349
Parking Brake ........................... .235
ParkSense® System, Rear ....................125
Passing Light ............................111
Pets ....................................80
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........254
400 INDEX