Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a lower gear.NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing. “Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 561
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 lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
engine oil level should be checked five minutes after a
warmed up engine has been shut off. Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart (0.95 liters) of oil when the
reading is at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a
reading at the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
600 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives 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
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (approximately 180°F/
82°C). This occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature, the fluid
cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the engine cover by pulling it up off themounting studs (two in the front and two in the rear).
3. Run the engine at idle speed and normal operating temperature.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 633
5. 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.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7.
Remove the dipstick again 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.
The fluid level should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating
temperature. If the fluid level is low, add fluid
through the dipstick tube to bring it to the proper
level. Do not overfill. Use ONLY the specified fluid
(refer to Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts for
fluid specifications). After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of two
minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission
before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
•The holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the
actual level is at or above the hole.
• If it is necessary to check the transmission below the
operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 80°F (27°C). If the
fluid level is correctly established at 80° F (27°C), it
should be between the HOT (upper) reference holes
when the transmission reaches 180° F (82°C). Re-
member it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
634 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Reinstall the engine cover and snap it down securely onto the four mounting studs.
9. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
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
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Clutch Hydraulic System (Manual Transmission)
— If Equipped
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 635
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
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 in (4.76 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
the vehicle. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, it should be changed immediately. Otherwise,
change the fluid as recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
636 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................112
Automatic Door Locks ......................41
Automatic Headlights ..................... .169
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............353
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........419
Automatic Transmission ..............445, 632, 635
Adding Fluid ......................... .635
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................635
Fluid Change ......................... .635
Fluid Level Check ...................... .633
Fluid Type ........................ .632, 662
Special Additives ...................... .633
Autostick .............................. .451
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........185
Auxiliary Power Outlet .....................185
Axle Fluid ............................. .662
Axle Lock .............................. .459
Battery ............................ .315, 609Charging System Light
...................315
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Belts, Seat .............................. .101
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................614
B-Pillar Location ......................... .505
Brake Assist System ...................... .484
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............481
Brake Fluid ............................ .662
Brakes ................................ .480
Brake System ........................ .480, 630
Master Cylinder ....................... .631
Parking ............................. .478
Warning Light ..................... .318, 480
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................444
Bulb Replacement ..................... .654, 656
Bulbs, Light ......................... .104, 654
Calibration, Compass .................. .341, 349
Capacities,
Fluid ......................... .659
10
INDEX 683
Fluid Capacities......................... .659
Fluid Leaks ............................ .104
Fluid Level Checks ....................... .638
Engine Oil ........................... .600
Manual Transmission ....................636
Power Steering ........................ .477
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........660
Fog Lights .......................... .171, 657
Fog Light Service ........................ .657
Fold And Tumble Rear Seat ..................163
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .165
Folding Windshield ....................... .295
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................570
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .453
Operation ............................ .453
Shifting ............................. .453
Systems ............................. .453
Four Wheel Drive Operation .................454
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................585 Front Axle (Differential)
.....................638
Fuel .................................. .534
Adding ............................. .539
Additives ............................ .537
Clean Air ............................ .535
Ethanol ............................. .535
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................539
Gasoline ............................. .534
Gauge .............................. .324
Materials Added ....................... .537
Methanol ............................ .535
Octane Rating ..................... .534, 660
Requirements ...................... .534, 659
Specifications ......................... .660
Tank Capacity ......................... .659
Fueling ............................... .539
Fuses ................................. .647
Gas
Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .............539, 541, 596
688 INDEX