WARNING!(Continued)
Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 339
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•You do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling.
•You drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km).
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
•Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may experience
hard starting and rough idle following start up even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
586 STARTING AND OPERATING
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
ADDING FUEL
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door, on the
passenger side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or
damaged, be sure the replacement cap has been designed
for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
588 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door rein-
forcement.
1. Press the fuel filler door release switch (located on the
driver ’s side door trim).
2. Open the fuel filler door, and remove the fuel filler
cap.
NOTE:
•In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel
door from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on the
fuel door to break the ice buildup and re-release the
fuel door using the inside release button. Do not pry
on the door.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about one quarter turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
aftermarket cap can cause the “Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the MIL to turn
on.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 589
CAUTION!(Continued)
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the MIL to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release
If you are unable to open the fuel filler door, use the fuel
filler door emergency release.
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove access door located on interior trim panel for
release cable with the tip of your key.
3. Grab the release cable tether and pull up to release the
fuel filler door.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver
Information Display (DID). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information (EVIC) or#Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap until a
590 STARTING AND OPERATING
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver
Information Display (DID). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information (EVIC) or#Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 657
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................97
Child Restraints.........................92
Child Seat Installation....................113
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.......109
Infants And Child Restraints................95
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .108
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt.................................110
LATCH Positions.......................101
Locating The LATCH Anchorages............104
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children......100
Older Children And Child Restraints..........95
Seating Positions........................99
Child Safety Locks.........................37
Clean Air Gasoline........................580
Cleaning
Wheels...............................701
Climate Control..........................426
Automatic............................426
Coin Holder.............................313
Cold Weather Operation....................473
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............424
Compact Spare Tire........................559
Console................................313
Console, Floor...........................313
Contract, Service..........................741
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........690
Cooling System...........................686
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............688
Coolant Capacity.......................727
Coolant Level..........................691
Disposal of Used Coolant.................691
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................687
Inspection............................687
Points to Remember.....................691
Pressure Cap..........................690
Radiator Cap..........................69010
INDEX 751
Electric Parking Brake......................511
Electric Remote Mirrors.....................138
Electronic Brake Control System...............519
Electronic Range Select (ERS).................492
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..............523
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........187
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............533
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......286
Change Engine Oil......................351
Selectable Menu Items....................356
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher..................615
Jacking...............................628
Jump Starting..........................640
Overheating...........................615
Emission Control System Maintenance..........658
Engine.................................655
Air Cleaner...........................664
Block Heater..........................480
Break-In Recommendations................116
Checking Oil Level......................661
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................728
Cooling..............................686
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................117
Fails to Start...........................474
Flooded, Starting.......................474
Fuel Requirements......................579
Jump Starting..........................640
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..661
Oil Filler Cap..........................655
Oil Filter.............................664
Oil Selection...........................662
Oil Synthetic..........................663
Overheating...........................615
Starting..............................472
Temperature Gauge......................338
EngineOil Viscosity.......................663
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................66310
INDEX 753