
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 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. 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 belt
or retractor condition, replace the 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 is first cycled
to 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 autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

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 atregular intervals. The best time to check the engine oil
level is before starting the engine after it has sat over-
night.
Do not check oil level when the engine is warm. Check-
ing engine oil level when the engine is warm will give
you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and
has sat overnight, 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 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.
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake, Parking...........................173
Brakes.................................274
Brake System............................175
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................178
Master Cylinder........................274
Parking..............................173
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.........68
Bulb Replacement.........................292
Bulbs, Light..............................72
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..........306
Capacities, Fluid..........................306
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................253
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................70
Car Washes.............................281
Cellular Phone...........................142
Chains, Tire.............................208
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................186Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............69
Checks, Safety............................69
Child Restraint............................57
Clean Air Gasoline........................216
Cleaning
Wheels...............................282
Windshield Wiper Blades..................259
Climate Control..........................143
Manual..............................143
Clutch.................................274
Clutch Fluid.............................274
Compact Spare Tire........................203
Contract, Service..........................324
Coolant (Antifreeze).......................306
Cooling System...........................268
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............270
Coolant Level..........................268
Disposal of Used Coolant.................272
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................268
10
INDEX 333

Change Engine Oil......................137
Change Engine Oil Indicator System..........137
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).............136
Distance Traveled.......................141
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). . . .125
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Setup
Menu................................127
Exit Menu............................137
Exit Trip..............................139
Fuel Range............................140
Indications On Display...................140
Instant Fuel Consumption.................141
Language (Selecting The Language)..........134
NewTrip .............................139
Oil Life..............................137
Service (Scheduled Servicing)...............135
Set Date..............................131
Speed Beep (Speed Limit).................128
Start Of Trip Procedure...................139Time Adjustment (Clock)..................130
Travel Time...........................141
Trip Button............................137
Trip Computer.........................137
Trip Functions.........................138
Units (Set Units)........................133
Values Displayed.......................140
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck................238
Hazard Warning Flasher..................226
Jump Starting..........................234
Overheating...........................226
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................254
Break-In Recommendations.................68
Checking Oil Level......................252
Compartment..........................249
Cooling..............................268
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................70
10
INDEX 335

Auto Unlock...........................25
Door.................................23
Power Door............................23
Lubrication, Body.........................258
Lug Nuts...............................227
Maintenance Free Battery....................256
Maintenance, General......................251
Maintenance Procedures....................251
Maintenance Schedule......................312
Manual, Service..........................326
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection......................309
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................274
Mirrors.................................76
Electric Remote.........................77
Heated...............................78
Outside...............................76
Rearview..............................76Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................210
Multi-Function Control Lever.................86
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................68
Occupant Restraints........................32
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................215
Oil, Engine..............................252
Capacity.............................306
Change Interval........................253
Checking.............................252
Disposal..............................254
Filter................................254
Filter Disposal.........................254
Materials Added to......................254
Recommendation.......................253
Viscosity.............................253
Oil Filter, Selection........................254
10
INDEX 339