Page 170 of 273

unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light is flashing, imme-
diate service is required. See the On Board Diagnos-
tics paragraph in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
Adding Fuel
NOTE:
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Malfunction Indicator light will come on if the gas
cap is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap
is tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
170 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 171 of 273

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system. The Mal-
function Indicator light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
following sample chart and on the tire pressure label
attached to the driver’s door.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants.................... 2or3
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
STARTING AND OPERATING 171
5
Page 214 of 273

•Maintain coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 215 of 273

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. 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 wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7
Page 230 of 273

11. Reinstall the upper crossmember attachments, head-
lamp jackscrews, windshield filler neck screw and speed
control servo screw.
Front Park and Turn Signal Light
1. Remove the headlight assembly from the vehicle.
2. Turn the park/turn signal bulb and socket assembly
counterclockwise and remove it from the housing.
3. Pull the bulb from the socket and install a new bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Reinstall the headlight assembly.
Front Sidemarker Light
1. Reach up under the fascia and grasp the light bulb
socket.
2. Turn the socket counterclockwise to remove it from
the housing.
3. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
4. Replace the bulb and reinstall the socket. Turn the
socket clockwise to secure it in the housing.
Fog Light
1. Remove the screw securing the fog light to the fascia
and pull the light away from the vehicle to expose the
bulb.
2. Remove the bulb by turning counter-clockwise. Pull
the bulb out of the light housing.
3. Remove the wiring connector from the bulb.
4. Insert new bulb and turn clockwise.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 231 of 273
5. Connect the wiring connector to the new bulb and
reinstall the assembly.
Center Stop Light
1. Open the trunk and reach up under the package shelf.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it
from the housing.
3. Pull the bulb from the socket and replace the bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
Tail, Stop, Back Up, and Turn Signal Lights
1. Open the trunk and remove the fasteners securing the
light housing to the body.
2. Pull the light housing from the body to expose the
wiring socket.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove from
the housing. Pull the bulb out of the socket and remove
the bulb.
4. Replace the bulb, reinstall the bulb and socket assem-
bly and reattach the light housing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
7
Page 232 of 273
License Plate Light
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly and pull the
bulb from the socket.3. Replace the bulb and reinstall the bulb and socket
assembly.
4. Reattach the light to the rear fascia.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE ALL
Oil Filter Mopar 5281090 or equivalent
Thermostat 180°F (82°C)
Spark Plug See Underhood Label
Spark Plug Gap See Underhood Label
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 262 of 273

About Your Brakes...................... 157
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 112
Accident Damage....................... 221
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 211
Adding Fuel.......................... 170
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 202
Air Conditioning....................137,140
Air Conditioning Controls.............137,140
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 146
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 205
Air Conditioning System................. 204
Air Pressure, Tires...................159,161
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................37,38
Airbag Light....................37,41,49,111
Airbag Maintenance...................... 40
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 167
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 211
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 211
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 157
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 112
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23Appearance Care....................... 220
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Headlights..................67,70
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 65
Automatic Temperature Control............ 140
Automatic Transaxle..................153,217
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 219
Fluid Level Check..................... 218
Reset Mode......................... 154
Selection Of Lubricant................. 217
Shifting............................ 154
Special Additives..................... 219
Backfire, Engine........................ 202
Ball Joints............................ 207
Battery............................182,203
Emergency Starting.................... 182
Gas Caution......................182,203
Jump Starting........................ 182
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................183,203
262 INDEX