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 specifi-
cations, 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.Cooling System
WARNING!
• Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan motor
lead before working near the radiator cooling fan.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may start
at any time, whether the engine is running or not.
• When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
WARNING!(Continued)
If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems properly
could lead to severe internal engine damage. If any
coolant is needed to be added to the system, please
contact your local authorized dealer. If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to
MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally com-
patible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
(Continued)
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
•It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle
is operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant
is needed to be added to the system, please contact
your local authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not rec-
ommended and can result in cooling system damage.
If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emer-
gency, have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and
refill with OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as
soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery tank. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
•
Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never
add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine
is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion
by animals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-
based engine coolant in open containers or allow it to
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean
up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be
between the bottom and top lines marked “COLD FILL
RANGE”.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a
month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed
to maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being va-
porized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows
no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may
be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
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 imme-
diately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a colli-
sion if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.).
Convertible Top Care — If Equipped
NOTE:Lubricate the top rails with Berulub FR 43
every 2000 cycles or if scratching noises due to dust are
present.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior
water damage, stains or mildew on the top material:
• Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can dam-
age the top material. Also, increased water pres-
sure may force past the weather strips.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Remove any standing water from the top and dry
the surface before opening it. Operating the top,
opening a door or lowering a window while the
top is wet may allow water to drip into the
vehicles interior.
• Use care when washing the vehicle, water pres-
sure directed at the weather strip seals may cause
water to leak into the vehicles interior.
Immediate removal of any contaminant is recom-
mended. Regular washing of the top will enhance its
life and appearance, and make successive cleanings
easier. Do not subject the top to excessive heat. Fre-
quently vacuum the top and storage compartment.
Washing
Hand washing is highly recommended. Automatic car
washing equipment can damage the top material. If you
must use an automatic car wash, soft cloth systems are
preferred.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
CAUTION!
Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can dam-
age the top material. Also, increased water pressure
may force water past the weather strips.
General Cleaning
Careful vacuuming of the top before washing is helpful
in removing dust and other foreign particles. Wash in
partial shade instead of direct sun. Wet the entire
vehicle before washing the top. The top should be
washed with a soft, natural bristle scrub brush, and a
mild soap solution such as liquid dishwashing soap. Do
not use detergent.
CAUTION!
Never use an abrasive type cleaner or bleaches.
Cleaners should not contain silicones, organic sol-
vents, petroleum distillates, or plasticizers. Always
wait until the top is thoroughly dry before lowering
it into the storage area.
Scrub in all directions, covering an area of about two
square feet at a time. Avoid heavy scrubbing. Rinse the
entire vehicle with water to remove all soap and dirt from the top fabric and to prevent streaking on painted
and chrome surfaces. Allow the top to dry before
lowering. Vacuuming the top with a wet/dry shop
vacuum will decrease the top’s drying time, ensure
removal of all dirt, and delete streaks in the material.
Multiple cleanings may be necessary to remove stub-
born stains. If stains persist, contact your local autho-
rized dealer for further suggestions.
FUSES
WARNING!
•
When replacing a blown fuse, always use an
appropriate replacement fuse with the same amp
rating as the original fuse. Never replace a fuse
with another fuse of higher amp rating. Never
replace a blown fuse with metal wires or any
other material. Failure to use proper fuses may
result in serious personal injury, fire and/or prop-
erty damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the igni-
tion is off and that all the other services are
switched off and/or disengaged.
(Continued)
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that
service is required for your vehicle. Operating condi-
tions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely
hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage
will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Con-
ditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate
as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the
next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indica-
tor message after completing the scheduled oil change.
If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone
other than your authorized dealer, the message can be
reset by referring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve
months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever
comes first. The 350 hours of engine run or idle time is
generally only a concern for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment
or is operated predominantly at idle or only very low
engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered
Severe Duty.
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 and brake
master cylinder, and fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
324 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............297
Adding Fuel ............................. .242
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .293
Additives, Fuel ........................... .241
AirBag ..................................32 Advance Front Air Bag .....................32
Air Bag Operation .........................33
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................34
Enhanced Accident Response ................276
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................276
FrontAirBag ............................32
If A Deployment Occurs ....................38
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................34
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............42
Transporting Pets .........................59
Air Bag Light .......................... .61, 118
Air Bag Maintenance .........................42
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......286
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................288
Air Conditioning Filter ...................178, 289
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............177
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..................288
Air Conditioning System ..................177, 288
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .220Alarm
Disarm The System ........................12
Vehicle Security Alarm .....................12
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................12
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................296, 320
Capacities ............................. .320
Disposal .............................. .298
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................203
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................133
Appearance Care .......................... .304
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .150
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................71
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ................324
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........177
Automatic Transaxle ..........................9
Automatic Transmission ...............189, 302, 303
Adding
Fluid .......................... .303
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................303
Fluid Change .......................... .303
Fluid Level Check ....................... .303
Fluid Type ............................ .322
Gear Ranges ........................... .192
Special Additives ........................ .303
336 INDEX