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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 “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper main-
tenance 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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level
should be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Data” for
further information.
636 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-
nical Data” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its performance.
The proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Data” for
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 637
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fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the trans-
mission fluid at the correct level using the recommended
fluid.
NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be
used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-
nical Data” 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. 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
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
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
638 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Page 668 of 828

•If you do not disconnect the battery from the electrical
system, check the battery charge every thirty days.
• Clean and protect the painted parts by applying pro-
tective waxes.
• Clean and protect polished metal parts by applying
protective waxes.
• Apply talcum powder to the front and rear wiper
blades and leave raised from the glass.
• Cover the vehicle with an appropriate cover taking
care not to damage the painted surface by dragging
across dirty surfaces. Do not use plastic sheeting which
will not allow the evaporation of moisture present on
the surface of the vehicle.
• Inflate the tires at a pressure of +7.25 psi (+0.5 bar)
higher than recommended on the tire placard and
check it periodically. •
Do not drain the engine cooling system.
• Whenever you leave the vehicle is stationary for two
weeks or more, run idle the engine for approximately
five minutes, with the air conditioning system on and
high fan speed. This will ensure a proper lubrication of
the system, thus minimizing the possibility of damage
to the compressor when the vehicle is put back into
operation.
NOTE: When the vehicle has not been started or driven
for at least 30 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is
required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
666 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
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TECHNICAL DATA
CONTENTS
IDENTIFICATION DATA .................675
▫ Vehicle Identification Number ............675
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .676
▫ Torque Specifications ..................676
FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................677
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................678
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................678
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............679
▫ CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications .....679▫
MMT In Gasoline .....................680
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................680
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............681
FLEXIBLE FUEL — IF EQUIPPED ...........682
▫ E-85 General Information ...............682
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................682
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................683
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............684
▫ Starting ........................... .684
9
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▫Cruising Range ...................... .684
▫ Replacement Parts ....................685
▫ Maintenance ....................... .685
FLUID CAPACITIES ....................686
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ...............687
▫ Engine ............................ .687
▫ Chassis ........................... .689
674 TECHNICAL DATA
Page 679 of 828
After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated
against the wheel.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
These engines are designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide opti-
mum fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded “Regu-
lar” gasoline having a posted octane num-
ber of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of
higher octane “Premium” gasoline is not required, as it
will not provide any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in
these engines.
Torque Patterns
9
TECHNICAL DATA 677
Page 680 of 828

While operating on gasoline with an octane number of
87, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not
a cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard
making a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer imme-
diately. Use of gasoline with an octane number lower
than 87 can cause engine failure and may void or not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid-
ering service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide im-
proved performance and durability of engine and fuel
system components.
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines
that have these additives will help improve fuel
economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle perfor-
mance.
Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line contains a higher level of deter-
gents to further aide in minimizing
engine and fuel system deposits.
When available, the usage of Top Tier
678 TECHNICAL DATA