Checking Oil Level
WARNING!
• Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and inflammable va-
pors may be present, with the risk of fire.
• Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned. Do not get too
close to the radiator cooling fan: the
electric fan may start; danger of injury.
Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!
• Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they are
not compatible with each other! Topping
up with an unsuitable fluid could se-
verely damage your car.
• The oil level must never exceed the MAX
mark.
• Always top up using engine oil of the
same specifications as that already in
the engine.
CAUTION!
• If the engine oil is being topped up, wait
for the engine to cool down before loos-
ening the filler cap, particularly for ve-
hicles with aluminium cap (if equipped).
WARNING: risk of burns!
• Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase
will cause aeration or loss of oil pressure.
This could damage your engine.
To assure proper engine lubrication, the en-
gine oil must be maintained at the correct
level. Check the oil level at regular intervals,
such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five min-
utes after a fully warmed up engine is shut
off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil
level readings.
There are three possible dipstick types,
• Crosshatched zone.
• Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.• Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high
end of the range.
• Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at
the MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:
Always maintain the oil level within the cross-
hatch markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 liters) of oil when the
reading is at the low end of the dipstick range
will raise the oil level to the high end of the
range marking.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of
the engine compartment. Be sure to check
the fluid level in the reservoir at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush
out the residual washer fluid.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid, apply it to a cloth or towel,
and wipe clean the wiper blades; this will
help blade performance.
243
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield
washer system in cold weather, select a solu-
tion or mixture that meets or exceeds the
temperature range of your climate. This rat-
ing information can be found on most washer
fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite
and burn you. Care must be exercised
when filling or working around the washer
solution.
CAUTION!
Do not travel with the windshield washer
fluid reservoir empty: the windshield
washer is essential for improving visibility.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
• Using the battery with low fluid will
irreparably damage the battery and may
cause an explosion.
• When performing any operation on the
battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
• Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment. For
battery replacement, contact an autho-
rized dealership.
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the
area immediately with large amounts of
water. Refer to “Jump Starting Proce-
dure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
WARNING!
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals, and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
• It is essential when replacing the cables
on the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the
negative cable is attached to the nega-
tive post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identi-
fied on the battery case. Cable clamps
should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion.
• If a “fast charger” is used while the
battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both
vehicle battery cables before connecting
the charger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting volt-
age.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
244
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using
the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry
windshield or rear window.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost
or ice from the windshield or rear window.
Make sure that they are not frozen to the
glass before turning them on to avoid damag-
ing the blade. Keep the wiper blade out of
contact with petroleum products such as en-
gine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and frequency
of use. Poor performance of blades may be
present with chattering, marks, water lines or
wet spots. If any of these conditions are
present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle; or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the
complete exhaust system and adjacent body
areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, have the exhaust system inspected
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication
or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventu-
ally poison you. To avoid breathing CO,
refer to “Safety Tips” in “Safety” for
further information.
•
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if
you park over materials that can burn.
Such materials might be grass or leaves
coming into contact with your exhaust
WARNING!
system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system
can contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use
of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline
will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the
engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of en-
gine malfunction, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, result-
ing in possible damage to the converter
and vehicle.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
246
CAUTION!
Avoid washing with rollers and/or brushes
in washing stations. Wash the vehicle only
by hand using neutral pH detergents; dry it
with a wet chamois leather. Abrasive prod-
ucts and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the car. Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly ag-
gressive. Avoid (if at all possible) parking
the vehicle under trees; remove vegetable
resins immediately as, when dried, it may
only be possible to remove them with abra-
sive products and/or polishes, which is
highly inadvisable as they could alter the
typical opaqueness of the paint. Do not
use pure windshield washer fluid for clean-
ing the front windshield and rear window;
dilute it min. 50% with water. Only use
pure windshield washer fluid when strictly
necessary due to outside temperature con-
ditions.
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use a specific product to clean fabric uphol-
stery and carpeting.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure —
If Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the
following manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by
blotting with a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean,
damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply a mild soap solution
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.• For grease stains, apply a specific product
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap
residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other
form of protectants on Stain Repel
products.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with
chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This
will weaken the fabric. Sun damage can also
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap
solution or lukewarm water. Do not remove
the belts from the vehicle to wash them. Dry
with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or
worn or if the buckles do not work properly.
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.
261
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning.....262
Interior Appearance Care.........261
Interior Fuses................205
Introduction...................1
Inverter
Power....................58
Jacking Instructions............210
Jack Location................208
Jack Operation.........208, 210, 250
Jump Starting................220
Key Fob
Arm The Alarm..............18
Disarm The Alarm............19
Remote Keyless Entry..........13
Keyless Enter-N-Go...........13, 21
Keys.......................13
Replacement...............14
Lane Change And Turn Signals. . . .33, 36
Lane Change Assist..............33
LaneSense..................176
Lap/Shoulder Belts.............100
Latches....................140
Hood....................53
Leaks, Fluid.................140Life Of Tires.................254
Liftgate.....................54
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer.......39
Light Bulbs..................140
Lights.....................140
AirBag ............64, 107, 139
Automatic Headlights..........34
Battery Saver...............36
Brake Assist Warning...........84
Brake Warning...............65
Bulb Replacement...........193
Cruise...............74, 75, 76
Daytime Running..........33, 34
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.....33, 34
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator..................66
Exterior..................140
Fog ...................35, 73
Headlights
.................33
Headlights On Reminder........35
Headlight Switch.............33
High Beam.................34
High Beam/Low Beam Select . . .33, 34
Hill Descent Control Indicator.....85
Instrument Cluster............33
Lights On Reminder.........33, 35
Low Fuel..................69Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine)..............69
Park.....................74
Passing................33, 34
Seat Belt Reminder...........67
Security Alarm..............68
Service..................193
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)....94
Traction Control..............84
Turn Signals.......33, 36, 74, 140
Warning Instrument Cluster
Descriptions.............66, 74
Locks
Child Protection..............23
Steering Wheel..............16
Low Tire Pressure System..........94
Luggage Carrier................59
Lug Nuts/Bolts................264
Maintenance..................52
Maintenance Free Battery.........244
Maintenance Schedule...........231
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)...............69
Manual Transmission........147, 249
Fluid Level Check............249
Shift Speeds...............148
INDEX
352
Washers, Windshield.........37, 243
Washing Vehicle...............260
Wind Buffeting................50
Window Fogging................47
Windows....................48
Close....................48Down....................48
Open....................48
Power....................48
Up ......................48
Windshield Defroster............139
Windshield Washers..........37, 243Fluid....................243
Windshield Wiper Blades.........245
Windshield Wipers..............37
Wipers Blade Replacement........245
Wipers, Rain Sensitive............38
INDEX
356