Page 248 of 332

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.
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.
• 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.
246 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Page 275 of 332

•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
NOTE: When the vehicle has not been started or driven
for at least 30 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is
required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting The Engine”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
BODYWORK
Protection From Atmospheric Agents
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geographic
locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads passable in
snow and ice and those that are sprayed on trees and road
surfaces during other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal
in your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your vehicle
to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on which the vehicle
is operated, extreme hot or cold weather and other extreme
conditions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim,
and underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resis-
tance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Body And Underbody Maintenance
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog
lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 273
Page 318 of 332

About Your Brakes........................ .280
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .............244
Adding Fuel ............................. .186
Adding Washing Fluid ...................... .230
Additives, Fuel ........................... .283
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .127
Air Bag Warning Light .....................124
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .128
Enhanced Accident Response .............133, 221
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................221
If Deployment Occurs .....................132
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .127
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............136
Maintenance ........................... .136
Side Air Bags .......................... .128
Transporting Pets ....................... .153
Air Bag Light ...................... .86, 124, 155
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......234
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................235
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ................235, 236
Air Conditioner System ..................... .235
Air Conditioning Filter ....................57, 236
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................55
Air Filter ............................... .234Air Pressure
Tires................................. .259
Alarm Security Alarm ...........................22
Alarm System Security Alarm ...........................22
Alterations/Modifications Vehicle .................................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................243, 286
Capacites ............................. .286
Disposal .............................. .245
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................100
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...................89, 94
Arming System Security Alarm ...........................22
Audio
Systems (Radio) ...................... .290
Automatic Dimming Mirror .................34, 35
Automatic Transmission ..................167, 248
Adding Fluid .......................... .250
Autostick ............................. .174
Fluid And Filter Change ...................250
Fluid Change .......................... .250
Fluid Level Check ....................... .249
Fluid Type ......................... .248, 288
Special Additives ........................ .249
316 INDEX
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Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..........88
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ...................196
Jacking ............................... .250
Jump Starting .......................... .213
Towing ............................... .219
Emission Control System Maintenance ............97
Engine Air Cleaner ............................ .234
Break-In Recommendations .................163
Checking Oil Level ...................... .230
Compartment .......................... .229
Cooling .............................. .242
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................154, 285
Fails To Start ........................... .162
Flooded, Starting ........................ .162
Fuel Requirements ....................282, 287
Oil .............................. .232, 286
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .233
Oil Filter .............................. .234
Oil Reset ...............................84
Oil Selection ........................ .232, 287
Oil Synthetic ........................... .233
Overheating ........................... .216
Starting .............................. .161Enhanced Accident Response Feature
.........133, 221
Ethanol ................................. .283
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................154, 285
Exhaust System ....................... .154, 241
Exterior Lighting ............................37
Exterior Lights ...................... .37, 157, 196
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .234
Air Conditioning ..................... .57, 236
Engine Fuel ........................... .287
Engine Oil ............................ .234
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .234
Flashers Turn Signals ...................... .37,
95, 157
Flash-To-Pass ..............................37
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .162
Fluid, Brake ............................. .288
Fluid Capacities ........................... .286
Fluid Leaks .............................. .157
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .247
Engine Oil ............................ .230
Fluids .................................. .287
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .287
12
INDEX 319