
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 Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the
Air Bag Warning Light has been detected, it will stay
on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving, have an
authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Safety” for fur-
ther information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should be
able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See
your authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
6
SAFETY 207 

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 

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solutionmay be used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric. Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth. Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper
turning loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with
a wet soft cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision
and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt
system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or
loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced imme-
diately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a colli-
sion if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.).
378 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 

Axle Lubrication........................ .409
Battery ........................... .135, 358
Charging System Light ..................135
Belts, Seat ............................. .207
Blind Spot Monitoring .....................59
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................360
B-Pillar Location ........................ .384
Brake Assist System ..................... .157
Brake Fluid ........................... .409
Brakes ............................ .154, 368
Brake System ....................... .154, 368
Fluid Check ......................... .409
Master Cylinder ...................... .369
Warning Light ....................... .133
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................74
Bulbs, Light ........................... .209
Camera, Rear .......................... .255
Capacities, Fluid ........................ .407
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ......................... .356
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............206, 265
Car Washes ........................... .373
Certification Label ....................... .268Chains, Tire
........................... .397
Changing A Flat Tire ..................315, 379
Chart, Tire Sizing ....................... .381
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) .343
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .............205
Checks, Safety ......................... .205
Child Restraint ......................... .188
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................ .192
Child Restraints ...................... .188
Child Seat Installation ...................202
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ......200
Infants And Child Restraints ..............190
LATCH Positions ..................... .195
Locating
The LATCH Anchorages ..........198
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .....195
Older Children And Child Restraints ........191
Seating Positions ...................... .194
Clean Air Gasoline ...................... .262
Cleaning Wheels ............................ .374
Windshield Wiper Blades .................360
Climate Control ..........................80
Manual ..............................80
Clutch ............................... .369
12
INDEX 461 

Electronic Roll Mitigation................161
Traction Control System .................159
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .......235
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .......139
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher .................289
Jacking ......................... .315, 379
Jump Starting ........................ .327
Overheating ......................... .330
Towing ............................ .334
Emission Control System Maintenance .........343
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... .357
Break-In Recommendations ...............217
Checking Oil Level .....................355
Compartment ........................ .353
Coolant (Antifreeze) ....................408
Cooling ............................ .364
Exhaust Gas Caution ................206, 265
Fails To Start ........................ .215
Flooded, Starting ..................... .215
Fuel Requirements .....................261
Jump Starting ........................ .327
Oil ......................... .355, 407, 408
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .356Oil Filter
........................... .357
Oil Selection ..................... .356, 407
Overheating ......................... .330
Starting ............................ .214
Engine Oil Viscosity ..................... .356
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ..................356
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........340
Ethanol .............................. .262
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................206, 265
Exhaust System ..................... .206, 362
Exterior Lighting .........................66
Exterior
Lights ....................... .66, 209
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... .357
Air Conditioning ....................96, 359
Engine Oil ....................... .357, 408
Engine Oil Disposal ....................357
Flashers Hazard Warning ...................... .289
Turn Signal .....................70, 150, 209
Flooded Engine Starting ...................215
Floor Console ...........................115
Fluid, Brake ........................... .409
Fluid Capacities ........................ .407
12
INDEX 463 

Mirrors................................57
Heated ..............................59
Outside ..............................58
Rearview .............................57
Vanity ...............................72
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ..............6
MTBE/ETBE .......................... .262
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................217
Occupant Restraints ..................... .162
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............261, 408
Oil, Engine ........................ .355, 408
Capacity ........................... .407
Change Interval ...................... .356
Checking ........................... .355
Disposal ............................ .357
Filter ........................... .357, 408
Filter Disposal ....................... .357
Materials Added To ....................356
Pressure Warning Light ..................137
Recommendation ...................356, 407
Viscosity ........................ .356, 407
Oil Filter, Change ....................... .357
Oil Filter, Selection ...................... .357Oil Pressure Light
....................... .137
Onboard Diagnostic System .................121
Operating Precautions .....................121
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................58
Overheating, Engine ..................... .330
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,12
Paint Care ............................ .372
Parking Brake .......................... .218
ParkSense System, Rear ....................246
Pets ................................. .205
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ......384, 386
Power Brakes ............................. .154
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ..........112
Sunr
oof ............................ .100
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ..............171
Preparation For Jacking ....................317
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... .172
Radial Ply Tires ........................ .391
Radio Frequency General Information ...........27, 29, 32, 33, 44
12
INDEX 467