Page 62 of 271
Adjustable Head Restraints
Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Adjust the restraints so
that the upper edge is as high as practical. To raise, pull
up on the head restraint. To lower, depress the button on
the post guide and push down on the head restraint.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 134 of 271

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEXTREME COLD
WEATHERº procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEX-
TREME COLD WEATHERº procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS Ð If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 203 of 271

Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add
fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7
Page 264 of 271

Capacities........................... 232
Fog Light Service....................... 229
Fog Lights..........................67,229
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 185
Fuel
Adding............................. 164
Filler Cap........................... 164
Filter.............................. 198
Gauge.............................. 87
Hoses.............................. 213
Light............................... 92
Tank Capacity........................ 232
Fuses................................ 223
Garage Door Opener..................... 73
GasCap .............................. 164
Gas Gauge............................. 87
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 162
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 162
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 89
Fuel................................ 87
Tachometer.......................... 87Voltmeter............................ 88
Gearshift............................. 137
Glass Cleaning......................... 220
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 174
Head Restraints......................... 62
Headlights............................ 226
Aiming............................. 232
Bulb Replacement..................... 226
Cleaning............................ 219
High Beam........................... 88
Switch.............................. 66
Time Delay........................... 67
Heater............................... 122
High Beam Indicator..................... 88
Homelink Transmitter.................... 73
Hood Prop............................ 63
Hood Release.......................... 62
Hoses............................. 211,213
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Lock................................ 9
264 INDEX
Page 270 of 271

Traction Control....................70,87,144
Trailer Towing......................... 166
Minimum Requirements................ 166
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 166
Warnings........................... 166
Transaxle............................. 213
Additives........................... 215
Automatic.......................... 213
Filter.............................. 215
Manual..........................139,186
Selection of Lubricant.................. 214
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 89
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 73
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 15
Tread Wear Indicators................... 157
Trip Computer.......................... 92
Trip Odometer.......................... 89
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................67,88Underhood Fuses....................... 223
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 257
Universal Transmitter.................... 73
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 149
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 218
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................196,232
Voltmeter.............................. 88
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 14
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 174
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................68,205
Washing Vehicle........................ 217
Waxing and Polishing................... 217
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 158
Wind Buffeting......................... 22
270 INDEX