Page 785 of 865

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and
its performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
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 — Eight-Speed Transmission
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 transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 783
Page 788 of 865

NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
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.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
786 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 827 of 865

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only)
and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only). 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 825
Page 829 of 865
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Inspect the brake linings, replace
as necessary. XXX X X X X
Adjust parking brake as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Inspect transfer case fluid. X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace spark plugs.** X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 827
Page 844 of 865

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............773
Adding Fuel ............................ .636
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .183
Airbag.............................. .67, 68
Air Bag Advance Front Air Bag ....................68
Air bag Operation .......................70
Air Bag Warning Light ....................78
Enhanced Accident Response ................78
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................81
FrontAirBag ........................67, 68
If A Deployment Occurs ...................76
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................71
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............80
Side Air Bags ...........................72
Air bag Deployment ........................67
Air bag Light ..................... .78, 116, 285
Air bag Maintenance ........................80
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .755 Air Conditioner Maintenance
.................761
Air Conditioning ..................... .395, 400
Air Conditioning Controls ................395, 400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...........414, 416
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..........761, 762, 763
Air Conditioning System ..........395, 400, 413, 761
Air Pressure, Tires .....................602, 613
Air Suspension .......................... .510
Alarm Light ............................ .285
Alarm, Panic .............................28
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............772, 815
Disposal ............................. .775
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................576
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................285, 577
Appearance Care ........................ .786
Ashtray ............................... .229
842 INDEX
Page 849 of 865

Break-In Recommendations................113
Compartment ......................... .744
Compartment Identification .........744, 745, 746
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................817
Exhaust Gas Caution .................114,632
Flooded, Starting ...................... .445
Fuel Requirements ...................627, 815
Jump Starting ......................... .725
Oil .......................... .751, 815, 817
Oil Filler Cap ...................... .753, 754
Oil Selection ...................... .752, 815
Oil Synthetic ......................... .754
Overheating .......................... .679
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................753, 754
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................753
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............78
Entry System, Illuminated ....................24
Ethanol ............................... .629
Event Data Recorder ........................81 Exhaust Gas Caution
....................114,632
Exhaust System .......................114,768
Exterior Lighting ......................... .165
Exterior Lights ...........................117
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .755
Engine Oil ........................ .754, 817
Engine Oil Disposal .....................754
Flashers Turn Signal .....................117, 175, 285
Flat Tire Stowage ..................... .698, 719
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .635
Engine Oil ........................... .634
Fuel Requirements ...................633, 634
Maintenance .......................... .636
Replacement Parts ...................... .635
Starting ............................. .635
10
INDEX 847