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 complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust 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 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.
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 belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds for a bulb check when the ignition is first cycled to
ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your autho-
rized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes 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
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at every
oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
Parking Brake Lever
202 STARTING AND OPERATING
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• 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
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
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 oil level is approximately five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight. Check-
ing engine oil level when the engine is cold will give you
an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add oil
only when the level is below the SAFE mark.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution may beused, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth. Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning
loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft
cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages specified to protect
your vehicle warranty and ensure the best vehicle perfor-
mance and reliability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as
dusty areas and very short trip driving. Inspection and
service should also be done anytime a malfunction is
suspected.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.At Each Stop For Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent, and add if re-
quired.
Once A Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
• Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission, and
add as needed.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
302 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Battery.............................. .120, 269
Charging System Light ....................120
Emergency Starting ...................... .256
Jump Starting .......................... .256
Key Fob Battery Replacement .................18
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Location .............................. .269
Remote Battery Replacement .................18
Saving Feature (Protection) ..................271
Storing Vehicle ......................... .271
Belts, Seat .................................67
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................272
B-Pillar Location .......................... .215
Brake Control System, Electronic ................205
Brake, Parking ............................ .202
Brake System ......................... .203, 279
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... .203, 205
Fluid Check ........................ .280, 300
Master Cylinder ........................ .280
Warning Light ...........................117
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ..........204
Brightness, Interior Lights .....................86
Bulb Replacement ......................... .297
Bulbs, Light ........................... .69, 296Camera, Rear
..............................95
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........298
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .298
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .268
Power Steering ......................... .202
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................278
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................66, 238
Car Washes .............................. .282
Chains, Tire ............................. .228
Chart, Tire Sizing ...........................211
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .265
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................66
Checks, Safety .............................66
Child Restraint .............................
55
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................58
Child Restraints ..........................55
Child Seat Installation ......................61
Infants And Child Restraints .................57
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........57
Using The Top Tether Anchorage ..............62
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .235
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .283
10
INDEX 315
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..........92
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............207
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........121
Emergency Brake .......................... .202
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................259
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................246
Jump Starting .......................... .256
Overheating ........................... .246
Towing ............................... .260
Emission Control System Maintenance ............265
Engine ................................. .263
Air Cleaner ............................ .269
Checking Oil Level ...................... .267
Compartment .......................... .263
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................275, 298
Cooling .............................. .275
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................66, 238
Fails To Start ........................... .192
Flooded, Starting ........................ .192
Fuel Requirements ....................235, 298
Oil .............................. .267, 298
Oil Change Interval ...................... .268
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .268
Oil Filter .............................. .269Oil Selection
........................ .268, 298
Overheating ........................... .246
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................268, 298
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........53, 260
Ethanol ................................. .235
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................66, 238
Exhaust System ........................ .66, 274
Exterior Lighting ............................83
Exterior Lights .............................69
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .269
Air Conditioning ........................ .169
Engine
Oil ......................... .269, 298
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .268
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .246
Turn Signal ....................... .69, 85, 129
Flash-To-Pass ..............................86
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .192
Fluid Capacities ........................... .298
Fluid Leaks ...............................69
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................. .280, 300
Capacities ............................. .298
10
INDEX 317
Multi-Function Control Lever...................85
Occupant Restraints .........................25
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................235
Oil, Engine ........................... .267, 298
Capacity .............................. .298
Change Interval ........................ .268
Checking ............................. .267
Dipstick .............................. .267
Disposal .............................. .268
Filter ............................. .269, 298
Filter Disposal .......................... .268
Materials Added To ...................... .268
Pressure Warning Light ....................120
Recommendation .....................268, 298
Viscosity .......................... .268, 298
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .269
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .269
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .120
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................264
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ...............97
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................75
Overheating, Engine ....................... .246Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
............4,311
Paint Care ............................... .282
Panic Alarm ...............................18
Parking Brake ............................ .202
Parking On Hill ........................... .202
Passing Light ..............................86
Pedals, Adjustable ...........................90
Pets .....................................64
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........215, 216
Power Brakes ............................... .203
Door Locks ..............................20
Mirrors ................................76
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ............103
Steering ........................... .201, 202
Windows ...............................22
Power
Seats
Forward ................................79
Rearward ...............................79
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts .................33
Pretensioners Seat Belts ...............................33
Programming Key Fobs (Remote Keyless Entry) ......1810
INDEX 321