Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner manual procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 13-11.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3-30.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records on page 11-14.
Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not allow contaminants to contact the fluids, reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Vehicle Checks
HoodSafety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender.
When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal inju ...
Parking
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, before getting out of the vehicle,
move the shift lever into R (Reverse) if parking on a downhill slope. On a level
surface or an uphill slope, use 1 (First) gear.
Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn the wheels toward the curb for a downhill
slope, o ...
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may cause damage. The damage
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed car carrier or a wheel lift tow truck.
If a wheel lift tow truck is used, the drive wheels cannot contact the road while
the vehicle is ...