
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Transmission Fault Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with a message in the instrument cluster display and a
buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault. Contact your authorized dealer if the message re-
mains after restarting the engine.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light illuminated will eventually
cause severe transmission damage or transmission
failure.
138 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles
in the way before driving through the standing
water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid ap-
pears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide
light efforts while parking and good feel while driving.
If the electric steering system experiences a fault that
reduces assist or prevents the vehicle from providing
assist, you will still have the ability to steer the vehicle
manually.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose
a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should
be obtained as soon as possible.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended mainte-
nance intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in
these components 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 malfunction, 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 approximately 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 approximately 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 quart (0.9 Liters) 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
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 355

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 abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce 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 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.NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system.
The two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a
leak in one system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system should not
require fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle.
If the brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system
does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be
a result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system.
See your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in the
“Technical Data” section for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer ’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in the “Technical Data” section for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
(Continued)
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 369

WARNING!(Continued)
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden
brake failure. This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Technical Data” for further information.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The
fluid level should be between the bottom of the fill hole
and a point not more than 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) below the
bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
370 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE

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 has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid level using special
service tools. 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 transmission damage.
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
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed
at the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle.Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission 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 en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
372 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... .154
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........366
Adding Fuel ........................... .265
Adding Washer Fluid .....................362
Additives, Fuel ......................... .264
AirBag .............................. .176
Advance Front Air Bag ..................176
Air Bag Operation .....................178
Enhanced Accident Response ..............340
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............340
FrontAirBag ........................ .176
If A Deployment Occurs .................184
Knee Impact Bolsters ....................179
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ...........187
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light ..........176
Side Air Bags ........................ .179
Transporting Pets ..................... .205
Air Bag Light ....................... .132, 207
Air Bag Maintenance ..................... .187
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . .357
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................358
Air Conditioning Filter ..................96, 359
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..............95
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............358, 359
Air Conditioning System ................94, 358 Air Pressure, Tires
....................... .390
Alarm Arm The System .......................34
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................139
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ....................238
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ..............6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............365, 407
Disposal ............................ .367
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...............155
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............147, 148
Appearance Care ....................... .372
Assist, Hill Start ........................ .157
Audio Systems (Radio) ....................445
Automatic
Headlights ......................67
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........94
Automatic Transmission .............226, 371, 372
Adding Fluid ..................... .372, 409
Fluid And Filter Changes .................372
Fluid Change ........................ .372
Fluid Level Check ..................... .372
Fluid Type ....................... .371, 409
Special Additives ..................... .371
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .......112
Auxiliary Power Outlet ....................112
Axle Fluid ............................ .409
460 INDEX

Light Bulbs........................... .209
Lights ............................... .209
AirBag ..........................132, 207
Automatic Headlights ....................67
Brake Warning ....................... .133
Cruise .......................... .151, 152
Daytime Running .......................68
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................69
Exterior ............................ .209
Fog .................................68
Hazard Warning Flasher .................289
Headlights ............................66
Headlights On Reminder ..................68
Headlight Switch .......................66
High Beam ...........................69
High Beam/Low Beam Select ..............69
Instrument Cluster ......................66
Intensity Control .......................74
Interior ..............................70
Lights On Reminder .....................68
Low Fuel ........................... .140
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........140
Park .............................. .151
Seat Belt Reminder .....................133
Security Alarm ....................... .139Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)
...........144
Turn Signal .....................70, 150, 209
Vanity Mirror ..........................72
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .....150
Loading Vehicle ........................ .268
Tires .............................. .384
Locks .................................36
Door ................................36
Lubrication, Body ....................... .360
Luggage Carrier .........................117
Lug Nuts ............................. .404
Maintenance Free Battery ...................358
Maintenance, General .....................354
Maintenance Procedures ...................354
Maintenance Schedule .....................344
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . .140, 343
Manual, Service ..........................12
Manual Transmission ..................223,
370
Fluid Level Check ..................... .370
Frequency Of Fluid Change ...............371
Lubricant Selection .....................370
Shift Speeds ......................... .225
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ...................369
Methanol ............................. .262
466 INDEX