Page 137 of 341
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer if
equipped, will remain active for up to 45 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
4
Page 213 of 341

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
Page 232 of 341

Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the cover and fit the jack-handle over the drive
nut. Rotate the nut to the left until you can remove the
swivel hook from the stowage basket. Swing the basket
down to remove the compact spare tire.
CAUTION!
The hook is designed for use with the jack handle
only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not
recommended and can damage the winch.
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE
(manual transaxle). Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the
vehicle is being jacked.
232 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 233 of 341
Jacking Instructions
1. Remove the scissors jack and lug wrench from the
stowage bag.
NOTE:If equipped with a center cap that covers the
wheel nuts, pry off the cap using the small end of the lug
wrench. To reinstall the cap, make sure it is properly
lined up before pushing it on to the wheel.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning
them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the
ground.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on the
crossmember below the radiator, on the front sus-
pension crossmember, or on the rear axle assembly.
3. There are two front jacking locations on each side of
the body and rear jacking locations located on the trailing
arm bracket under the triangular cut out symbol. Turn
the jack screw to the right until the jack head is properly
engaged with the lift area closest to the wheel to be
changed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 233
6
Page 273 of 341

Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only manufacturers recommended transmission fluid,
refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273
7
Page 334 of 341

Locks
Central.............................. 20
Child Protection........................ 21
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 19
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Lubrication, Body....................... 262
Luggage Rack.......................... 119
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 259
Maintenance, General..................... 251
Maintenance Procedures................... 251
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule9A9.......................305,309
Schedule9B9.......................... 297
Maintenance Schedules.................... 294
Malfunction Indicator Light..............134,249
Manual, Service......................... 322
Manual Transaxle..................180,189,276Downshifting......................... 191
Fluid Level Check...................... 276
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 276
Lubricant Selection..................... 276
Master Cylinder......................... 271
Mirrors................................ 67
Electric Remote........................ 68
Outside.............................. 67
Rearview............................. 67
Vanity............................... 69
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................250,321
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 95
Navigation System....................... 161
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 59
Occupant Restraints....................... 32
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 216
334 INDEX