Page 135 of 341

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
23. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
24. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to about 1/8 tank, the
fuel symbol will light and a single chime will
sound. The light will remain on until fuel is added.If the fuel level drops to approximately 1.0 gallon (3.75
Liter), the fuel symbol will flash several times and the
chime will sound several times.
25. AutoStick Gear PositionÐ If Equipped
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator illuminates
when the gearshift lever is moved to the AutoStick
position and shows the current gear selection.
26. Fuel Door Reminder
This symbol is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the front passenger's (right) side of the vehicle.
27. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Press the knob to switch between the odometer and trip
odometer. While the trip odometer is being displayed,
press and hold this knob for a few seconds to reset the
trip odometer to zero miles/kilometers.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 135
4
Page 179 of 341
mTire Rotation Recommendations............215
mFuel Requirements......................216
N2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard
Turbo Engine........................216
N2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........216
NReformulated Gasoline.................217
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............217
NMMT In Gasoline.....................218
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................218NMaterials Added To Fuel................219
NFuel System Cautions..................219
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............220
mAdding Fuel..........................221
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............221
mVehicle Loading........................223
mTrailer Towing.........................223
NWarranty Requirements.................224
STARTING AND OPERATING 179
5
Page 187 of 341

ª3º Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the ª3º range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
ª1º Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.
AUTOSTICK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
The Autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi-
tion and is identified by the word ªAUTOSTICKº. When
you place the shift lever in the Autostick position, it can
be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the left
(-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the transmission gear
display, located in the instrument cluster.
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5
Page 221 of 341
ADDING FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger's side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.
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.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5
Page 222 of 341
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 223 of 341

NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every 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.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............. 865lb(392 kg)
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5
Page 270 of 341

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
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 the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
270 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 290 of 341
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15 Gallons 56.7 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 5.0 qts 4.8 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Turbocharged Engines (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Miles Formula)8.1 qts 7.7 Liters
2.4 Liter Non-Turbocharged Engines (MopartAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula)6.5 qts 6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE