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Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{ WARNING:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
• Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
• Do not fill a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on any surface other than the ground.
• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside of the fill opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the filling is complete.
• Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
• Do not use a cellular phone while pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under the Hood
{ WARNING:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
6-10
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the handle with this symbol on it. It is located inside the vehicle on the lower left side of the instrument panel.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer. Lower the hood
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) above the vehicle and release it to latch fully. Check to make sure the hood is closed and repeat the procedure if necessary.
2. Release the secondary latch on the hood. It is located below the front center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
4. Release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.
6-11
Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 3.7L engine (2.9L engine similar), you will see the following:
6-12
A. Windshield Washer Fluid. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6-35 .
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine
Coolant on page 6-28 .
C.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19 .
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine compartment). See Power Steering Fluid on page 6-34 .
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” under Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-21 .
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
G. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 6-26 .
H. Remote Negative (
−
) Terminal (GND). See Jump
Starting on page 6-40 .
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on page 6-40 .
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 6-36 .
L.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6-109 .
M.
Battery on page 6-39 .
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 6-25 .
6-13
When you open the hood on the 5.3L engine, you will see the following:
6-14
A.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19 .
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19 .
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6-35 .
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on page 6-28 .
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” under Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-21 .
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 6-36 .
I.
Battery on page 6-39 .
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
Fluid on page 6-34 .
K.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6-109 .
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 6-26 .
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-15
When to Add Engine Oil
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-12 for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
L4 and L5 Engines
V8 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area (L), add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 6-115 .
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through.
6-16
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
• American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
• GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
• SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below
−
20°F (
−
29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Always use an oil that meets the required specification, GM6094M. See “What Kind of Engine
Oil to Use” for more information.
6-17
Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE OIL message comes on. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-36 . Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil
6-18 life system might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained people who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where the oil is changed prior to a CHANGE OIL message being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life system:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the instrument cluster until the OIL LIFE message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating OIL LIFE and RESET messages appear, press and hold the stem until several beeps sound. This confirms that the oil life system has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE OIL message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-36 .
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for more information on location.
6-19
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 7-3 for more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Unfasten the clips that hold the cover on and remove the cover.
2. Lift out the engine air cleaner/filter.
3. Inspect or replace the air filter. See Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 7-12 to determine which filter to use.
4. Reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover. Fasten the clips to hold the cover in place.
{ WARNING:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are driving.
6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3 , and be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service department.
If adding it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or there could be a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
• When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
• At high speed for quite a while.
• In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
• While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 82°C to
93°C (180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km
(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above 10°C
(50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), drive the vehicle in 3 (Third) until the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are
10°C (50°F) or more. If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), the engine might have to idle longer. Should the fluid level be low during this cold check, check the fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot gives a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
6-21
Checking the Fluid Level
To prepare the vehicle:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
The automatic transmission dipstick handle with this symbol on it is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for more information on location.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds, and pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area, below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or in the HOT or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed down to get an accurate reading.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
6-22
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
• After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
• When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to check the manual transmission fluid is when the engine oil is changed. However, the fluid in the manual transmission does not require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your GM dealer/retailer service department.
If doing it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or there could be a false reading.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when the engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is cool enough to touch the transmission case.
6-23
After this is done:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps.
6-24
How to Add Fluid
Here is how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in the vehicle is self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
The hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir cap has this symbol on it. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for reservoir location.
When to Check and What to Use
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless a leak in the system is suspected. Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
6-25
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper fluid should be added if the level does not reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it is in place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.
2.9L Engine shown (3.7L Engine similar)
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Engine Cooling Fan
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
6-26
5.3L Engine
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Cooling Fan
{ WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
{ WARNING:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL ® can cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could require changing sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL ® (silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
6-27
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL ® engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for five years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 6-32 .
What to Use
{ WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL ® coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL ® coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else needs to be added. This mixture:
• Gives freezing protection down to − 34°F ( − 37°C), outside temperature.
• Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C), engine temperature.
• Protects against rust and corrosion.
• Will not damage aluminum parts.
•
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10 for more information.
6-28
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
The coolant recovery tank cap has this symbol on it.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at FULL
COLD, or a little higher. When the engine is warm, the level could be above the FULL COLD level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at least up to the FULL COLD mark. If it is not, there could be a leak in the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Recovery Tank
It is located toward the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for more information on location.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant recovery tank. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL ® coolant at the coolant recovery tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.
{ WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL COLD mark, start the vehicle.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL ® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
6-29
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
{ WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
{ WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
If coolant is needed, add the proper mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.
6-30
1. Remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about one full turn.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap to remove it.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL ® coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See Engine Coolant on page 6-28 for more information about the proper coolant mixture.
4. Fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
COLD mark.
5. Reinstall the cap on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck might be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL ® coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap.
6-31
At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has a coolant temperature gage displayed on the instrument panel to warn if the engine is overheating. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-27 . If the engine is too hot, the air conditioning might stop working. This is normal and helps cool the engine.
You may decide not to lift the hood when the warning appears, but instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program on page 8-8 .
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
The engine cooling fan speed should increase when idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down. If it does not, the vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
Notice: Engine damage from running the engine without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
6-32
If Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{ WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
• Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
• Stops after high-speed driving.
• Idles for long periods in traffic.
• Tows a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” under
Towing a Trailer on page 5-47 .
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
6-33
Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions, the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when additional cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located near the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
6-34
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be between the ADD and FULL marks.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to the proper range.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid may damage the vehicle and the damages may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for reservoir location.
Notice:
•
When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
•
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water does not clean as well as washer fluid.
•
Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it is very cold. This allows for fluid expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full.
•
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s windshield washer system and paint.
6-35
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with
DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-12 for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down:
• The brake fluid level goes down because of normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up.
• A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{ WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check the brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3 .
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Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 .
The fluid level should be above the PP mark. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic system checked to see if there is a leak.
{ WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the level is above the PP mark but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
Notice:
•
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake hydraulic system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
•
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. See Washing
Your Vehicle on page 6-103 .
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Brake Wear
This vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
{ WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 6-115 .
Rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the brakes adjust for wear.
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for example, when the brake linings wear down and new ones are installed — be sure to get new approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number on the original battery label when a new battery is needed. See Engine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for battery location.
{ DANGER:
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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