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
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not
loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure 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.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-
spected periodically. Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal
can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and pos-
sible brake damage. You would not have
your full braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under hood ser-
vices or immediately if the “Brake Warning
Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylin-
der area before removing the cap. If neces-
sary, add fluid to bring the fluid 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. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. 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 Lubri-
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its per-
formance. The proper type of brake fluid
for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic mas-
ter cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, 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
braking, resulting in sudden brake fail-
ure. This could result in a collision.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
248
WARNING!
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot en-
gine 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.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill
plug. The fluid level should be between the
bottom of the fill hole and a point not more
than 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer's
specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for fluid specifications. It is important
to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-
nical Specifications” for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the
transmission. Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid
additives to the transmission. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your trans-
mission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and
does not require adjustment under normal
operating conditions. Routine fluid level
checks are not required; therefore the trans-
mission has no dipstick. An authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid level using
special service tools. If you notice fluid leak-
249
age or transmission malfunction, visit an au-
thorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating
the vehicle with an improper fluid level can
cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the
vehicle, go to an authorized dealer or service
station.
TIRES
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 result in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that re-
sult in tire failure.
WARNING!
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail sud-
denly, resulting in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steer-
ing problems. You could lose control of
your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of
the vehicle to the other can cause the
vehicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to
the recommended cold tire inflation
pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect
the stability of the vehicle and can produce a
feeling of sluggish response or over respon-
siveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side
may cause erratic and unpredictable steer-
ing response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
250
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
WARNING!
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi-
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system. Seat belt assemblies must be re-
placed after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.).
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use a specific product to clean vinyl
upholstery.
CAUTION!
• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sani-
tizers to the plastic, painted, or deco-
rated surfaces of the interior may cause
permanent damage. Wipe away immedi-
ately.
• Damage caused by these type of prod-
ucts may not be covered by your New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this
vehicle are molded in clear plastic. When
cleaning the lenses, care must be taken to
avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap
solution may be used, but do not use high
alcohol content or abrasive cleaners. If
soap is used, wipe clean with a clean
damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Leather Parts
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved
by regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth.
Small particles of dirt can act as an abrasive
and damage the leather upholstery and
should be removed promptly with a damp
cloth. Care should be taken to avoid soaking
your leather upholstery with any liquid.
Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-
based cleaners to clean your leather uphol-
stery. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condi-
tion.NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it
tends to show any foreign material, dirt, and
fabric dye transfer more so than darker col-
ors. The leather is designed for easy cleaning.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based
and/or Ketone based cleaning products to
clean leather upholstery, as damage to the
upholstery may result.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a
regular basis with any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an
abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning the inside rear window equipped
with electric defrosters or windows equipped
with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments that may scratch the
elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or cloth that you are
using. Do not spray cleaner directly on the
mirror.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
262
Fuel IconsWhat It Means
Liquefied Petroleum Gas for automotive applicationsEN589compliant fuel
Diesel fuel containing up to7%(V/V) Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME)EN590compliant fuel
Diesel fuel containing up to 10 % (V/V) Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME)EN16734compliant fuel
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines15.9 Gallons 60 Liters
AdBlue (UREA) Fluid Tank 3.4 Gallons 13 Liters
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
274