
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE199
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmis -
sion 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 compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when
diagnostic testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing
weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant is
dirty, the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled with fresh Organic Additive Technology
(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.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 radi -
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
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,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF position. The fan is tempera -
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition is in the ON position.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE201
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system, please contact a local authorized
dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain,
flush, and refill with OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant, and to ensure that engine coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant recovery
tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.
The image on the coolant system
pressure cap is a reminder that the
radiator contains hot engine coolant
under pressure.Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion, do
not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground, clean up immediately. If ingested, seek
emergency assistance immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With the engine OFF and cold,
the level of the engine coolant in the bottle should
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so
there is no need to remove the radiator/coolant
pressure cap unless checking for engine coolant
freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise an
authorized dealer of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
only needs to be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that
meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032 should be added to
the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.WARNING!
Do not open a 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 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.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
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202SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo-
meters 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 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 needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion 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 neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically. For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 190.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services or
immediately if the Brake Warning Light is
illuminated.
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 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 the manufacturer
recommended brake fluid Ú page 241.
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 temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
WARNING!
Use only the manufacturer recommended
brake fluid Úpage 241. 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.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 202

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE207
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check the
fuse element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.
Also, please be aware that using power outlets for
extended periods of time with the engine off may
result in vehicle battery discharge.
Blade Fuses
Underhood Fuses
The Front Distribution Unit is located on the right
side of the engine compartment, next to the
battery. To access the fuses, remove fasteners and
remove the cover.
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use an
appropriate replacement fuse with the same
amp rating as the original fuse. Never replace
a fuse with another fuse of higher amp rating.
Never replace a blown fuse with metal wires or
any other material. Do not place a fuse inside
a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to
use proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the
ignition is off and that all the other services
are switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an
authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems
(air bag system, braking system), power unit
systems, (engine system, transmission
system) steering system or Body Control
Module (BCM) blows, contact an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
If it is necessary to wash the engine
compartment, take care not to directly hit the fuse
box, and the windshield wiper motors with water.
1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse element
3 — Blade fuse with a bad/not functional fuse
element (blown fuse)
CAUTION!
When installing the power distribution center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure
to do so may allow water to get into the power
distribution center and possibly result in an
electrical system failure.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS237
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.
Wheel Mounting Surface
Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until
each nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt
(do not insert it halfway).
Torque Patterns
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.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
While operating on gasoline with the
recommended octane, 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 an authorized dealer
immediately. Use of gasoline with an octane
number lower than 87 can cause engine failure
and may void 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 considering service for the vehicle.
2.4L ENGINE
This engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide
excellent fuel economy and
performance when using high quality
unleaded regular gasoline having a octane rating
of 87 using the (R+M)/2 method. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will
not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.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.
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246
INDEX
A
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 200Additives, Fuel............................................... 239Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 107Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 146Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 146Enhanced Accident Response......... 150, 188Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 188Front Air Bag............................................. 145If Deployment Occurs................................ 149Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 146Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 151Maintenance............................................. 151Transporting Pets...................................... 168Air Bag Light........................................... 44, 168
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)..196
Air Conditioner Maintenance......................... 196Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 196, 197Air Conditioner System.................................. 196Air Conditioning Filter...................................... 31Air Conditioning, Operating Tips................ 30, 31Air Filter......................................................... 196
Air PressureTires......................................................... 225Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 7Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 200, 240Disposal................................................... 201Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 131Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 47Assist, Hill Start............................................. 134Audio Settings.................................................. 96Audio Systems (Radio)..................................... 78Auto Down Power Windows............................. 34Automatic Transmission........................... 55, 56Adding Fluid..................................... 204, 241Fluid And Filter Change............................ 204Fluid Change............................................ 204Fluid Level Check............................ 203, 204Fluid Type........................................ 203, 241Special Additives...................................... 203Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet).......... 32Axle Fluid...................................................... 241
B
Battery................................................... 45, 194Charging System Light.................................45Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................10Belts, Seat.................................................... 168BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing
................ 104Body Builders Guide........................................... 7Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 197B-Pillar Location............................................ 221Brake Assist System..................................... 132Brake Fluid.................................................... 241Brake System....................................... 202, 236Anti-Lock (ABS)......................................... 131Fluid Check...................................... 202, 241Master Cylinder........................................ 202Parking........................................................54Warning Light...............................................45Brake, Parking.................................................54Brake/Transmission Interlock..........................56Bulb Replacement........................................ 213Bulbs, Light.......................................... 170, 213
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247
C
Camera, Rear
.................................................. 65Capacities, Fluid............................................ 240Caps, Filler Fuel............................................................. 66Oil (Engine)................................................ 193Power Steering............................................ 60Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 201Car Washes................................................... 234Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 170Cargo Area Cover............................................. 37Cargo Compartment........................................ 37Cargo Tie-Downs.............................................. 37Certification Label........................................... 67Chains, Tire.................................................... 232Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 171Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 218Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................ 51Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 168Checks, Safety............................................... 168Child Restraint............................................... 152Child RestraintsBooster Seats............................................ 155Child Seat Installation..................... 164, 166How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt..... 161Infant And Child Restraints....................... 154
Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 160Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 157Older Children And Child Restraints......... 154Seating Positions...................................... 156Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 238CleaningWheels..................................................... 231Climate Control................................................ 28Cold Weather Operation.................................. 52Compact Spare Tire...................................... 229Contract, Service.......................................... 243Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 201Cooling System............................................. 199Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 200Coolant Level............................................ 201Cooling Capacity....................................... 240Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 201Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 200Inspection........................................ 199, 201Points To Remember................................ 202Pressure Cap............................................ 201Radiator Cap............................................ 201Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 200, 240Corrosion Protection..................................... 233Cruise Light...................................................... 50Customer Assistance.................................... 242Customer Programmable Features.................. 79Cybersecurity................................................... 78
D
Defroster, Windshield................................... 168Deleting A Phone........................................... 104Diagnostic System, Onboard............................50DipsticksOil (Engine)............................................... 194Power Steering............................................60Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 187Disconnecting............................................... 104DisplayedValues..........................................................44DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 201Door Ajar..........................................................45Door Ajar Light.................................................45Door Locks.......................................................13Doors...............................................................13Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................16DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.......................................76
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 132Electric Remote Mirrors...................................23Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet).........32Electronic Range Select (ERS).........................5911
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248 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
...................132Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........ 46Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck...................... 185Jacking...................................................... 171Jump Starting............................................ 181Towing....................................................... 187Emission Control System Maintenance........... 51Engine........................................................... 193Air Cleaner................................................. 196Block Heater............................................... 53Break-In Recommendations........................ 54Checking Oil Level..................................... 194Coolant (Antifreeze)................................... 240Cooling...................................................... 199Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 170Fails To Start............................................... 53Flooded, Starting......................................... 53Jump Starting............................................ 181Oil.................................................... 195, 240Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 193Oil Filter..................................................... 196Oil Selection.................................... 195, 240Oil Synthetic.............................................. 196Overheating............................................... 183Starting....................................................... 52
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...150, 188
Ethanol......................................................... 238Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 170Exhaust System................................... 170, 198Exterior Lights.........................................24, 170
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 196Air Conditioning........................................... 31Engine Oil........................................ 196, 240Engine Oil Disposal................................... 196FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 171Turn Signals.......................................49, 170Flooded Engine Starting................................... 53Fluid Capacities............................................ 240Fluid Leaks................................................... 170Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 202Engine Oil................................................. 194Power Steering............................................ 60Fluid, Brake.................................................. 241Fog Lights........................................................ 25Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 16Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 171Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 185
Fuel............................................................... 237Additives................................................... 239Clean Air................................................... 238Ethanol..................................................... 238Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................................66Gasoline................................................... 237Materials Added....................................... 239Methanol.................................................. 238Octane Rating.................................. 237, 240Specifications........................................... 240Tank Capacity........................................... 240Fuses............................................................ 207
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)..................................66Gasoline, (Fuel)............................................. 237Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 238Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 238Gear Ranges....................................................57Gear Selector Override.................................. 184Glass Cleaning.............................................. 235Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 67, 68Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................67, 68GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................67
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