•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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 abnormally
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 613
WARNING!(Continued)
•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 pro-
longed 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.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 615
CAUTION!(Continued)
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. 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 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
618 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
•Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•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
648 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............9
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................608
Disposal..............................611
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................460
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................292
Appearance Care.........................619
Assist, Hill Start..........................467
Auto Down Power Windows..................41
Automatic Headlights......................173
Automatic High Beams.....................173
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........381
Automatic Transmission....................431
Adding Fluid..........................619
Fluid and Filter Changes..................619
Fluid Change..........................619
Fluid Level Check.......................617
Fluid Type............................617
Gear Ranges...........................432
Special Additives.......................618
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........254
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................254
Axle Fluid..............................645
Battery.................................595
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........25
Belts, Seat...............................110
Blind Spot Monitoring......................131
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................601
B-Pillar Location..........................478
Brake Assist System.......................461
Brake Control System, Electronic..............460
Brake Fluid.............................614
Brake System............................459
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................459
Fluid Check...........................614
Master Cylinder........................614
Parking..............................456
Warning Light.........................292
10
INDEX 667
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................430
Bulb Replacement.........................634
Bulbs, Light.............................112
Camera, Rear............................237
Capacities, Fluid..........................640
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................566
Oil (Engine)...........................593
Power Steering.........................455
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................611
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................109
Cargo Area Cover.........................272
Cargo Area Features.......................269
Cargo Compartment.......................269
Light................................271
Luggage Carrier........................276
Cargo Light.............................271
Cargo Tie-Downs.........................273
Car Washes.............................620
Cellular Phone...........................379
Center High Mounted Stop Light..............639
Certification Label.........................518
Chains, Tire.............................496
Changing A Flat Tire.......................551
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................473
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .588
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............108
Checks, Safety...........................108
Child Restraint............................82
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................86
Child Restraints.........................82
Child Seat Installation....................102
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt........98
Infants And Child Restraints................84
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint.....97
668 INDEX
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................514
Engine Oil............................513
Fuel Requirements......................511
Maintenance...........................514
Replacement Parts.......................514
Starting..............................513
Flooded Engine Starting....................426
Fluid Capacities..........................640
Fluid Leaks.............................112
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................618
Brake................................614
Engine Oil............................591
Power Steering.........................455
Fluids.................................645
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........642
Fog Lights..............................292
Fog Light Service.........................638
Folding Rear Seat.........................156
Forward Collision Warning..................223
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................548
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................572
Front Axle (Differential).....................615
Fuel...................................506
Adding..............................515
Additives.............................509
Clean Air.............................507
Economy Mode........................430
Ethanol..............................508
Gasoline..............................506
Gauge...............................292
Materials Added........................509
Methanol.............................508
Octane Rating..........................506
Requirements..........................506
Specifications..........................642
Tank Capacity..........................640
672 INDEX
Key, Replacement..........................18
Keys...................................13
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)....................16
Lane Change Assist........................181
Lap/Shoulder Belts.........................52
Latches................................112
Lead Free Gasoline........................506
Leaks, Fluid.............................112
Life of Tires.............................493
Liftgate.................................44
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer...............274
Light Bulbs..............................112
Lights.................................112
Airbag................................78
Anti-Lock.............................292
Automatic Headlights....................173
Brake Assist Warning....................470
Brake Warning.........................292
Bulb Replacement.......................636
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..271
Center Mounted Stop....................639
Daytime Running.......................174
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................171
Exterior..............................112
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..292
Hazard Warning Flasher..................548
Headlights............................636
Headlights On With Wipers................173
High Beam Indicator.....................292
Illuminated Entry........................21
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........292
Map Reading..........................178
Passing..............................181
Reading..............................178
Rear Servicing.........................639
Rear Tail Lamps........................639
Seat Belt Reminder......................292
10
INDEX 675