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477
Features of your vehicle
AUTO (Automatic) control (if equipped)
The rain sensor located on the upper end of the windshield glass senses the
amount of rainfall and controls the wiping
cycle for the proper interval. The more it
rains, the faster the wiper operates. When
the rain stops, the wiper stops. To vary the speed setting, turn the speedcontrol knob (1).
If the wiper switch is set in AUTO mode
when the ignition switch is ON, the wiper
will operate once to perform a self-check
of the system. Set the wiper to off posi-
tion when the wiper is not in use.
CAUTION
When the ignition switch is ON and
the windshield wiper switch is placed in the AUTO mode, use cau-
tion in the following situations to avoid any injury to the hands or
other parts of the body:
Do not touch the upper end of the windshield glass facing the rain
sensor.
Do not wipe the upper end of the windshield glass with a damp or
wet cloth.
Do not put pressure on the wind- shield glass.
OEL049900
Rain sensor
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, set the
wiper switch in the off position tostop the auto wiper operation.
The wiper may operate and be dam-aged if the switch is set in the AUTOmode while washing the vehicle.
Do not remove the sensor coverlocated on the upper end of the pas- senger side windshield glass.
Damage to system parts couldoccur and may not be covered by
your vehicle warranty.
When starting the vehicle in winter,set the wiper switch in the off posi-
tion. Otherwise, wipers may operateand ice may damage the windshield
wiper blades. Always remove allsnow and ice and defrost the wind-shield properly prior to operating
the windshield wipers.
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Features of your vehicle
78
4
Windshield washers (front)
In the O (Off) position, pull the lever gen-
tly toward you to spray washer fluid on
the windshield and to run the wipers 1-3
cycles. Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue until you release the lever.
If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate non-abrasive windshield washer fluid
to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the
passenger side.
OXM049048E
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
the windshield and obscure yourvision.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the wipers or windshield, do notoperate the wipers when the
windshield is dry.
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or othersolvents on or near them.
To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, donot attempt to move the wipers
manually.
To prevent possible damage to the wipers and washer system,
use anti-freezing washer fluids inthe winter season or cold weather.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate thewasher when the fluid reservoir is
empty.
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Driving your vehicle
50
5
Avoid staring directly at the headlights
of oncoming vehicles. You could be
temporarily blinded, and it will take
several seconds for your eyes to read-
just to the darkness.
Driving in the rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving
dangerous, especially if you’re not pre-
pared for the slick pavement. Here are a
few things to consider when driving in the
rain:
A heavy rainfall will make it harder tosee and will increase the distance
needed to stop your vehicle, so slow
down.
Keep your windshield wiping equip- ment in good shape. Replace your
windshield wiper blades when they
show signs of streaking or missingareas on the windshield. If your tires are not in good condition,
making a quick stop on wet pavement
can cause a skid and possibly lead to
an accident. Be sure your tires are in
good shape.
Turn on your headlights to make it eas- ier for others to see you.
Driving too fast through large puddles can affect your brakes. If you must go
through puddles, try to drive through
them slowly.
If you believe you may have gotten your brakes wet, apply them lightly
while driving until normal braking oper-
ation returns.
1JBB3303
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Page 340 of 456
7
Engine compartment / 7-2
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-5
Scheduled maintenance service / 7-7
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-30
Engine oil / 7-33
Engine coolant / 7-35
Brake/clutch fluid / 7-38
Washer fluid / 7-40
Parking brake / 7-40
Fuel filter / 7-41
Air cleaner / 7-42
Climate control air filter / 7-43
Wiper blades / 7-45
Battery / 7-48
Tires and wheels / 7-52
Fuses / 7-63
Light bulbs / 7-74
Appearance care / 7-84
Emission control system / 7-92
Maintenance
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Page 345 of 456

Maintenance
6
7
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall):
Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year:
Clean the body and door drain holes.
Lubricate the door hinges and checks,
and hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
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745
Maintenance
WIPER BLADES
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiperarms or other components, do not attempt to move the wipers manual-ly.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified wiper blade could result in wiper malfunc-
tion and failure.Blade inspection
✽✽ NOTICE
Commercial hot waxes applied by auto-
matic car washes have been known to
make the windshield difficult to clean.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the wiper blades with foreign matter can
reduce the effectiveness of the wind-
shield wipers. Common sources of con-
tamination are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some commer-
cial car washes. If the blades are not wip-
ing properly, clean both the window and
the blades with a good cleaner or mild
detergent, and rinse thoroughly with
clean water. Blade replacement When the wipers no longer clean ade-
quately, the blades may be worn or
cracked, and require replacement.
1JBA5122CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline,kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
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Page 456 of 456
I11
Index
Windshield defrosting and defogging ····························4-99
Windshield deicer ···························································4-81
Winter driving ································································5-53
Snow tires ·································································5-53
Tire chains ································································5-54
Wiper blades ··································································7-45
Wipers and washers ·······················································4-76
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