CAUTION!(Continued)
impurities into the fuel system and may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on,
due to fuel vapors escaping from the system.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the MIL to turn on.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling. NOTE:
•
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
• Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
• If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check fuel cap” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
288 STARTING AND OPERATING
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check fuel cap” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Push the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If
the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but donot crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is
not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is readyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
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. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.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 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. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 411
Car Washes............................ .381
Cellular Phone .......................... .203
Certification Label ........................ .289
Chains, Tire ............................ .274
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .252
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .355
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............64
Checks, Safety ............................64
Child Restraint ............................54
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................59
Child Restraints .........................54
Infants And Child Restraints ................57
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........57
Cigar Lighter ........................... .121
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .283
Climate Control ......................... .204
Manual ............................. .204
Cold Weather Operation ....................221 Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance
..............202
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .269
Console, Overhead ........................116
Contract, Service ......................... .422
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........374
Cooling System .......................... .370
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............372
Coolant Capacity ...................... .405
Coolant Level ..................... .371, 375
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................374
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................371
Inspection ........................... .375
Points To Remember .....................375
Pressure Cap ......................... .374
Radiator Cap ......................... .374
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......371, 405, 406
Corrosion Protection ...................... .380
Cruise Light ......................... .159, 160
Cupholders ......................... .122, 386
432 INDEX
Jump Starting......................... .338
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........355
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .361
Block Heater ......................... .222
Break-In Recommendations .................63
Checking Oil Level ..................... .358
Compartment ......................... .353
Compartment Identification ................353
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................371, 406
Cooling ............................. .370
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................65, 286
Fails To Start ......................... .221
Flooded, Starting ...................... .221
Fuel Requirements ...................282, 405
Jump Starting ......................... .338
Oil .......................... .358, 405, 406
Oil Filter ............................ .361
Oil Selection ...................... .359, 405Oil Synthetic
......................... .360
Overheating .......................... .309
Starting ............................. .220
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .360
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................360
Entry System, Illuminated ....................17
Ethanol ............................... .283
Event Data Recorder ........................53
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................65, 286
Exhaust System ....................... .65, 362
Exterior Lighting ..........................93
Exterior Lights ............................68
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .361
Air Conditioning ...................... .367
Engine Oil ........................ .361, 406
Engine Oil Disposal .....................361
434 INDEX
FlashersHazard Warning ....................... .309
Turn Signal ........................ .68, 157
Flooded Engine Starting ....................221
Fluid Capacities ......................... .405
Fluid Leaks ..............................68
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................379
Brake ............................... .376
Cooling System ........................ .371
Power Steering ........................ .238
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........406
Fog Lights ...............................94
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................309
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................344
Fuel .................................. .282
Adding ............................. .287
Additives ............................ .284
Clean Air ............................ .283Ethanol
............................. .283
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................287
Gasoline ............................. .282
Materials Added ....................... .284
Methanol ............................ .283
Octane Rating ..................... .282, 406
Requirements ...................... .282, 405
Tank Capacity ......................... .405
Fueling ............................... .287
Fuses ................................. .387
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .............287, 288, 355
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .283
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .282
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................283
Gear Ranges ............................ .225
Gear Select Lever Override ..................346
General Information ................... .204, 281
Glass
Cleaning .......................... .385
10
INDEX 435