To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the
OFF mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
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.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT
PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
350 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.
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
expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated 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 coolant in open contain-
ers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
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 vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 353
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 (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean. •
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly 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.
354 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the 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.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” 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 mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der 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 prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• 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.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 355
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/bolts fully until the vehicle has
been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded “Regular”
gasoline having an octane rating of 87 as
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The
use of higher octane “Premium” gaso-
line will not provide any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in
these engines.
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 immediately. 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 consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Torque Patterns
390 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Automatic Headlights........................62
Automatic Transmission ..................245, 357
Adding Fluid ....................... .357, 400
Fluid And Filter Change ...................357
Fluid Change .......................... .357
Fluid Level Check .................... .356, 357
Fluid Type ......................... .356, 400
Gear Ranges ........................... .248
Special Additives ........................ .356
Torque Converter ....................... .253
Axle Fluid .............................. .400
Axle Lubrication .......................... .400
Battery .............................. .146, 340
Charging System Light ................... .146
Jump Starting .......................... .324
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Battery Saver Feature .........................64
Belts, Seat ............................... .235
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................347
B-Pillar Location .......................... .363
Brake Assist System ........................ .160
Brake Control System, Electronic ................159
Brake Fluid .............................. .400
Brake System ......................... .354, 388Anti-Lock (ABS)
........................ .388
Fluid Check ........................ .355, 400
Parking .............................. .243
Warning Light .......................... .145
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................246
Bulb Replacement ......................... .287
Bulbs, Light .......................... .237, 287
Calibration Compass ............................. .138
Camera, Rear ............................ .265
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .397
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................... .339
Power
Steering ......................... .254
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................353
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................234, 393
Cargo Vehicle Loading ..........................97
Cargo Area Cover ...........................97
Cargo Compartment .........................97
Luggage Carrier ........................ .122
Car Washes .............................. .382
Cellular Phone ........................ .432, 456
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............290
12
INDEX 473
Certification Label......................... .268
Chains, Tire ............................. .378
Change Oil Indicator ....................... .135
Changing A Flat Tire .................... .297, 357
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .359
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .154
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............234
Checks, Safety ............................ .234
Child Restraint ........................... .210
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .214
Child Seat Installation ................. .226, 228
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt ........224
Infant And Child Restraints .................212
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............220
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......216
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........213
Seating Positions ........................ .215
Using The Top Tether Anchorage .............231
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .391
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .377
Climate Control ............................68
Automatic ..............................76
Manual ................................68 Coat Hook
...............................112
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .241
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................463
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .375
Compass ................................ .137
Calibration ............................ .138
Variance .............................. .138
Computer, Trip/Travel ................... .136, 144
Console ................................ .105
Floor ................................ .105
Console, Overhead ........................ .108
Contract, Service .......................... .468
Cooling
Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............353
Cooling System ........................... .350
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................352
Cooling Capacity ........................ .397
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................353
Drain, Flush, And Refill ................... .351
Inspection ............................. .350
Points To Remember ..................... .353
Pressure Cap ........................... .353
Radiator Cap .......................... .353
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......351, 397, 398
Corrosion Protection ....................... .381
Cruise Light ............................. .152
474 INDEX
Checking Oil Level...................... .340
Compartment .......................... .339
Compartment Identification .................339
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .398
Cooling .............................. .350
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. .234, 393
Fails To Start ........................... .242
Flooded, Starting ........................ .242
Oil ........................... .342, 397, 398
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .339
Oil Filter .............................. .343
Oil Selection ........................ .342, 397
Oil Synthetic ........................... .343
Overheating ........................... .327
Starting .............................. .241
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .342
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................342
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........207, 331
Ethanol ............................. .391, 394
Exhaust Gas Cautions ................... .234, 393
Exhaust System ....................... .234, 348
Exterior Lighting ............................61
Exterior Lights ...................... .61, 237, 287Filters
Air Cleaner ............................ .344
Air Conditioning ..................... .88, 345
Engine Oil ......................... .343, 398
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .343
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .286
Turn Signals .................. .61, 152, 237, 289
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .61, 62
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .396
Engine Oil ............................ .395
Fuel Requirements ....................... .394
Maintenance ........................... .396
Replacement
Parts ....................... .396
Starting .............................. .395
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .242
Floor Console ............................ .105
Fluid, Brake ............................. .400
Fluid Capacities ........................... .397
Fluid Leaks .............................. .237
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................... .357
Brake ................................ .355
Power Steering ......................... .254
476 INDEX