•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
•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 nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-spected periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” 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 tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under hood services,
or immediately if the brake system warning light
is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder
area before removing the cap. If necessary, add
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However,low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir sup-
plies fluid to both the brake system and the
clutch release system. The two systems are
separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system
should not require fluid replacement during
the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it
may be a result of a leak in the hydraulic
clutch release system. See your local autho-
rized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
266
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Schedule — Gasoline
Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in
this manual must be done at the times or
mileages specified to protect your vehicle war-
ranty and ensure the best vehicle performance
and reliability. More frequent maintenance may
be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should also
be done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched-
uled maintenance.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “CHANgE
OIL” will flash in the instrument cluster odom-
eter and a single chime will sound, indicating
that an oil change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illuminate
approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km) after the
most recent oil change was performed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within 500 miles (800 km). However, an earlieroil change at 4,500 miles (7,500 km) may be
required if the vehicle is operated under “Se-
vere Duty Conditions” later in this section.
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle’s oil if it has been 12
months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an ex-
tended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil
change. If this scheduled oil change is per-
formed by someone other than your dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument ClusterDescription/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on
level ground will improve the accuracy of the
oil level reading. Add oil only when the level
is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir,
automatic transmission, brake master cylin-
der and power steering and fill as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for
correct operation.
284
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages for the required maintenance
intervals.
Maintenance Schedule — Gasoline Engine
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change engine oil and oil
filter.††XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX
Rotate tires X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
285
