Page 260 of 361

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
260 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 261 of 361

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don't let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Front Wheel Drive
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles (160
km), and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100
miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels off the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 261
6
Page 318 of 361
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder and transmission, add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
318 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Page 342 of 361

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
342 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 343 of 361
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 343
9
Page 346 of 361

Adding Fuel........................... 240
Adding Washer Fluid..................109,285
Additives, Fuel......................... 238
Adjustable Pedals........................ 99
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 281
Air Conditioning Filter.................192,282
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 281
Air Conditioning System................183,281
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 223
Airbag................................ 43
Airbag Deployment....................... 50
Airbag Light.....................47,52,63,145
Airbag Maintenance....................... 52
Airbag, Side............................ 50
Alarm System........................... 24
Alignment and Balance................... 229
All Wheel Drive...................205,230,298
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze Disposal...................... 290Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............287,288
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 208
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 139
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 24
Appearance Care........................ 300
Auto Down Power Windows................ 31
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 70
Automatic Door Locks...................17,18
Automatic Headlights.................... 105
Automatic Temperature Control............. 183
Automatic Transaxle...................201,295
Adding Fluid......................... 313
Filter............................... 297
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 297
Fluid Level Check...................... 296
Interlock System....................... 202
Reset Mode.......................... 202
Selection Of Lubricant................295,313
Shifting............................. 203
346 INDEX
Page 354 of 361

Load Leveling System.................... 132
Loading Vehicle......................241,243
Capacities........................... 243
Tires ............................... 218
Locks
Door................................ 16
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................53,55
Lubrication, Body....................... 284
Luggage Rack.......................... 130
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 279
Maintenance Procedures................... 272
Maintenance Schedule.................... 316
Light Duty Schedule9A9................. 330
Light Duty Schedule9B9................. 319
Schedule9A9......................... 330
Schedule9B9.......................... 319
Malfunction Indicator Light..............143,270Manual, Service......................... 340
Memory Seat..........................72,88
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 153
Mirrors................................ 69
Automatic Dimming..................... 70
Electric Remote........................ 72
Exterior Folding........................ 70
Heated.............................. 72
Memory............................. 88
Outside.............................. 71
Rearview............................. 69
Vanity............................... 73
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 230
Mopar Parts.........................271,339
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 103
Navigation System....................... 182
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 61
354 INDEX
Page 356 of 361

Mirrors.............................. 72
Outlet.............................. 124
Seats................................ 85
Steering............................. 211
Steering, Checking..................... 282
Sunroof............................. 121
Windows............................. 30
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 41
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 40
Programmable Electronic Features...... 116,120,148
Programming Transmitters.............. 116,120
Radial Ply Tires......................... 226
Radiator Cap........................... 289
Radio.............................155,160
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 179
Radio Operation......................160,182
Radio Remote Controls.................172,178Rear Liftgate............................ 26
Rear Seating Flexibility.................... 96
Rear Window Defroster................... 193
Rear Window Features.................... 108
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 108
Rearview Mirrors........................ 69
Reclining Front Seats...................... 91
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 312
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 40
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 19
Remote Sound System Controls.............. 178
Replacement Tires....................228,230
Reporting Safety Defects................... 340
Restraint, Head.......................... 86
Restraints, Child.......................53,59
Restraints, Infant......................... 56
Retractable Cargo Area Cover............... 127
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 260
356 INDEX