must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If
Equipped...........................142
mPower Steering........................143
mTraction Control Ð If Equipped...........144
mTire Safety Information..................145
NTire Markings........................145
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........148
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........149
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............152
NTire Pressure.........................152
NTire Inflation Pressures.................153
NRadial-Ply Tires......................155
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........155
NTire Spinning........................156
NTread Wear Indicators..................157
NReplacement Tires.....................157NAlignment And Balance.................158
mTire Chains...........................159
mSnow Tires...........................159
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........159
mAutoStick Ð If Equipped................160
NAutoStick Operation...................160
NAutoStick General Information............161
mFuel Requirements.....................162
NReformulated Gasoline.................162
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............162
NMMT In Gasoline.....................163
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................163
NMaterials Added To Fuel................164
mAdding Fuel..........................164
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............164
mVehicle Loading.......................166
130 STARTING AND OPERATING
2. EconomyÐ
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle StabilityÐ
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver's door or the
driver's side ªBº pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the ªBº pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less that the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure condi-
tions will be found in the ªSupplemental Tire Pressure
Informationº section of this manual.The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
ªBº PILLAR
STARTING AND OPERATING 153
5
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C)
²Stop and Go driving
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
²OffÐ road or desert operation
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
7
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid or that is
unidentified as to DOT FMVSS specification may
result in sudden brake failure during hard or pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
This is referred to as a ªTransaxle.º
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check 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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
²Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
²Check the manual 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).
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
238 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
About Your Brakes...................... 142
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 208
Adding Fuel.......................... 164
Aiming Headlights...................... 232
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 198
Air Conditioning....................... 122
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 126
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 202
Air Conditioning System..............122,201
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 153
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 32
Airbag Light.....................32,34,43,87
Airbag Maintenance...................... 34
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System........................19,92
Alignment and Balance.................. 158
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 209
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 208
Capacities........................... 232
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 142
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 90Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 19
Appearance Care....................... 216
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 14
Automatic Transaxle...............135,186,213
Filter.............................. 215
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 215
Fluid Level Check..................... 214
Interlock System....................10,136
Reset Mode......................... 137
Selection Of Lubricant................. 214
Shifting............................ 137
Special Additives..................... 215
Autostick............................. 160
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 78
Ball Joints............................ 203
Battery............................... 200
Emergency Starting.................... 181
Gas Caution......................183,201
Heater............................. 134
Jump Starting........................ 181
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 18
260 INDEX