Page 352 of 438

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 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
(Continued)
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 366 of 438

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 429 of 438

Jacking Instructions........................328
Jack Location............................325
Jack Operation...........................324
Jump Starting............................332
Key-In Reminder..........................14
Key, Replacement..........................15
Keys...................................11
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)....................14
Lane Change and Turn Signals................169
Lane Change Assist........................114
Lap/Shoulder Belts.........................34
Latches.................................87
Lead Free Gasoline........................299
Leaks, Fluid..............................87
Life of Tires.............................288
Liftgate (Sedan)...........................29
Light Bulbs..............................87
Lighter, Cigar............................148
Lights..................................87
Airbag................................57
Anti-Lock.............................177
Brake Assist Warning....................263
Brake Warning.........................168
Bulb Replacement.......................392
Center Mounted Stop....................396
Engine Temperature Warning...............170
Exterior...............................87
High Beam Indicator.....................171
Low Fuel.............................169
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........172
Oil Pressure...........................172
Park.................................114
Passing..............................114
Seat Belt Reminder......................171
Security Alarm..........................15
Service...............................392
10
INDEX 427