Page 202 of 294

•Check front and rear disc brake pad condition and
wear.
• Check cleanliness of tailgate locks.
• Check cleanliness and lubrication of chassis and
steering linkage.
• Visually inspect condition of: engine, gearbox, trans-
mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (gaiters - sleeves -
bushes - etc.).
• Check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro-
lyte).
• Visually inspect condition of the auxiliary drive belts.
• Check and, if necessary, change engine oil and re-
place oil filter.
• Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
Using the vehicle on a track should be regarded as an
exception. The vehicle has been designed and manufac-
tured for road use. Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environ-
ment the engine air filter has to be changed every 6,500
miles (10,000 km).
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip/Periodic
Checks
Every 600 miles (1,000 km) or before long trips, check
and, if necessary, top off the following:
•
Check engine oil level.
• Check brake fluid level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for un-
usual wear or damage.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and add as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) check and, if necessary, top
up: engine oil level.
200 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 241 of 294

Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-
hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-
hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stabil-
ity of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 239
Page 246 of 294

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected regu-
larly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use
tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is needed. Refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicators” in this section.
Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or
the Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation
of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol for your
tire will be found on the original equipment tire side-
wall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire
Safety Information” section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and Speed
Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriouslyaffect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a
wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your authorized tire
dealer or original equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or capability. Fail-
ure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely
affect the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed
rating other than that specified for your vehicle.
Some combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimensions and
performance characteristics, resulting in changes
to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle.
This can cause unpredictable handling and stress
to steering and suspension components. You
could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
(Continued)
244 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 290 of 294

Security Alarm...........................20
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ...................19
Service Assistance ....................... .274
Service Contract ........................ .276
Service Manuals ........................ .278
Shoulder Belts ......................... .103
Signals, Turn ........................ .84, 135
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ..................250
Snow Tires ............................ .246
Spare Tire ...................... .246, 247, 248
Spark Plugs ........................... .266
Speed Control Accel/Decel ......................... .155
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...............153
Starting .............................. .139
Automatic Transmission .................139
Cold Weather ........................ .140
Engine Fails To Start ....................140
Steering ................................27
Column Lock ..........................27
Tilt Column ...........................27
Wheel, Tilt ............................27
Storage .............................. .253
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .253
Storing Your Vehicle ..................... .253Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag
........112
Telescoping Steering Column .................27
Tilt Steering Column .......................27
Tire And Loading Information Placard .........235
Tire Markings .......................... .230
Tires ...................... .135, 239, 246, 251
Aging (Life Of Tires) ....................243
Air Pressure ......................... .239
Chains ............................. .250
Changing ........................... .229
Compact Spare ....................... .247
General Information .................239, 246
High Speed ......................... .241
Inflation
Pressures .....................240
Jacking ............................ .229
Life Of Tires ......................... .243
Load Capacity .....................235, 236
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............96
Pressure Warning Light ...................80
Quality Grading ...................... .251
Radial ............................. .241
Replacement ......................... .244
Rotation ............................ .251
Safety .......................... .229, 239
288 INDEX