MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
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.
(Continued)
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 approximately five minutes
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 529
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
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. Riding the brakes may also
reduce braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. Themanual
transmissionclutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
548 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining And Caring For Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
550 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
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 malfunc-
tion, visit your authorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked. Operating the ve-
hicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
552 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................543
Disposal..............................546
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................225
Appearance Care.........................553
Arming System (Security Alarm)...............50
Assist, Hill Start..........................229
Audio Systems (Radio).....................634
Auto Down Power Windows.................111
Automatic Headlights.......................96
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
SYNC Temperature Button.................128
Automatic Transmission....................336
Adding Fluid..........................552
Fluid and Filter Changes..................552
Fluid Change..........................552
Fluid Level Check.......................552
Fluid Type............................551
Special Additives.......................551
Auto Up Power Windows...................111
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........164
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................164
Axle Fluid..............................594
Axle Lubrication..........................594
Battery.................................533
Belts, Seat...............................311
Blind Spot Monitoring.......................85
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................536
B-Pillar Location..........................568
Brake Assist System.......................227
Brake Fluid.............................594
Brakes.................................223
Brake System............................223
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................225
Fluid Check...........................594
Master Cylinder........................548
Brightness, Interior Lights...................105
12
INDEX 659
Interior..............................100
Lights On Reminder......................98
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............378
Traction Control........................238
Turn Signal............................99
Vanity Mirror..........................102
Loading Vehicle..........................400
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..568
Locks..................................53
Child Protection.........................64
Door.................................53
Low Tire Pressure System...................378
Lubrication, Body.........................536
Luggage Carrier..........................172
Lug Nuts...............................474
Maintenance Free Battery....................533
Maintenance, General......................529
Maintenance Procedures....................529
Maintenance Schedule......................516
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......513
Manual, Service...........................14
Manual Transmission......................332
Fluid Level Check.......................550
Frequency of Fluid Change................550
Lubricant Selection......................550
Shift Speeds...........................333
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................548
Methanol...............................390
Mirrors
Heated...............................85
Outside...............................83
Rearview..............................81
Vanity...............................102
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................378
MTBE/ETBE............................390
12
INDEX 667