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
11 0 T H I N G S TO K N O W B E F O R E S TA R T I N G Y O U R V E H I C L E
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, power steering 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 lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 591
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
