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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........353
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .354
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............355
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .355
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................357
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .357
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........357
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .358
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .361▫
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................361
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .362
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............364
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............366
▫ Body Lubrication .....................368
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............369
▫ Cooling System ..................... .370
▫ Brake System ....................... .376
▫ Automatic Transmission
(3.6L Gasoline Engine Only) ..............378
7
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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
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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
Page 366 of 448

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 367 of 448

WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTION!
• It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive
(+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
Page 400 of 448
CavityMini Fuse Description
F81 7.5 Amp Brown Seat Heater
F83 20 Amp Yellow Rear Left Windows Heater
F84 20 Amp Yellow Rear Right Windows Heater
F86 20 Amp Yellow Auxiliary Switch (From Battery) – If Equipped
F87 20 Amp Yellow Auxiliary Switch (From Ignition) – If Equipped
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take these steps to protect your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. •
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (e.g., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 413 of 448

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
Page 433 of 448

Automatic Transaxle........................12
Automatic Transmission .................222, 379
Adding Fluid ......................... .379
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................379
Fluid Change ......................... .379
Fluid Level Check ...................... .379
Fluid Type ........................ .378, 408
Gear Ranges .......................... .225
Special Additives ...................... .378
Battery ............................ .135, 364
Charging System Light ...................135
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........19
Belts, Seat ...............................66
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................368
B-Pillar Location ......................... .257
Brake Assist System ...................... .244
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............241Brake Fluid
............................ .408
Brake, Parking .......................... .239
Brake System ........................ .241, 376
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .241
Fluid Check .......................... .376
Parking ............................. .239
Warning Light ........................ .142
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................224
Bulb Replacement ..................... .399, 401
Bulbs, Light .......................... .68, 399
Camera, Rear ............................112
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .405
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .287
Power Steering ........................ .238
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................374
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................65, 286
Cargo Light ..............................98
10
INDEX 431