Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
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 seat 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. Rear 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 seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for
four to six seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is
not lit during starting, or if the light stays on,
flickers, or turns on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized 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 autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 109
CAUTION!(Continued)
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. 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
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1.0
quart (1.0 liter) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the range marking will raise the oil level to the high
end of the range marking.CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 565
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or cold. You can also read the transmission fluid
temperature using the Vehicle Information display in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
the instrument cluster. Refer to Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) inUnderstanding Your
Instrument Panel for further information. Hot fluid is
approximately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal op-
erating temperature after the vehicle is driven at least
15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably
between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature
of approximately 80°F (27°C). 7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole.
• If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the up-
per two holes in the dipstick).
• If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick
tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 589
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................30
Door Locks, Automatic ......................32
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .255
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .442
Driving To Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .....332
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) .......363
E-85 Fuel .............................. .502
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ........268
Electrical Power Outlets .....................268
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................121
Electronic Brake Control System ...............450
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................450
Electronic Roll Mitigation .................462
Traction Control System ...................456
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........238
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............457Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
........311
Electronic Vehicle Information Center Instrument Cluster Display .................29
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......327
Remote Start ...........................29
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................550
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................529
Jacking .............................. .532
Jump Starting ......................... .546
Overheating .......................... .529
Towing ............................. .552
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........562
Engine ................................ .559
Air Cleaner .......................... .569
Block Heater ......................... .429
Break-In Recommendations ................106
Checking Oil Level ..................... .565
Compartment ...................... .559, 560
10
INDEX 643
Oil, Engine......................... .565, 616
Capacity ............................ .614
Change Interval .....................331, 566
Checking ............................ .565
Dipstick ............................. .565
Disposal ............................. .568
Filter ............................ .568, 616
Filter Disposal ........................ .568
Identification Logo ..................... .566
Materials Added To ..................... .568
Pressure Warning Light ...................310
Recommendation ....................566, 614
Synthetic ............................ .568
Viscosity ......................... .567, 614
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .568
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .568
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .310
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................561
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .............255Operating Precautions
..................... .561
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................121
Overhead Console ........................ .252
Overheating, Engine ...................... .529
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,634
Paint Care ............................. .592
Panic Alarm ..............................23
Parking Brake ........................... .446
ParkSense System, Rear .....................242
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) ......218
Passing Light ........................... .229
Pets .................................. .106
Phone (Pairing) .......................... .155
Phone (Uconnect) ..................... .124, 148
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........471
Power Brakes .............................. .449
10
INDEX 651