Page 59 of 249
WARNING!
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in an accident. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint system.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
up on the hood release lever located under the instru-
ment panel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 59
3
Page 185 of 249

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.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
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Page 242 of 249

Additives........................... 146
Filler Cap........................... 147
Filter.............................. 180
Gauge.............................. 88
Light............................... 88
Materials Added...................... 146
Octane Rating........................ 143
System Hoses........................ 194
Fuses.............................201,202
Garage Door Opener..................... 70
GasCap .............................. 147
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 144
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 144
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 89
Fuel................................ 88
Oil Pressure.......................... 88
Speedometer/Odometer................. 91
Glass Cleaning......................... 200
Glove Compartment..................... 14
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 152Head Restraints......................... 57
Headlights
Bulb Replacement..................... 204
Cleaning............................ 200
Dimmer Switch....................... 64
Lights On Reminder.................... 62
Switch.............................. 62
Time Delay........................... 62
Heater............................ 114,117
High Beam Indicator..................... 89
Holder, Cup........................... 52
Homelink Transmitter.................... 70
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 185
Hood Release.......................... 59
Hook, Coat............................ 52
Hoses............................191,194
Ignition
Key ...............................9,12
Lock............................... 13
Illuminated Entry....................... 14
Immobilizer............................. 9
Infant Restraint......................... 41
242 INDEX
Page 248 of 249

Radial............................. 138
Replacement......................... 141
Rotation............................ 142
Snow Tires.......................... 140
Spare Tire........................... 139
Spinning............................ 140
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 141
To Open Hood.......................... 59
Towing.............................. 148
Disabled Vehicle...................... 163
Trailering........................... 148
Traction Control....................66,88,135
Trailer Towing......................... 148
Transaxle
Additives........................... 197
Automatic........................129,194
Filter.............................. 197
Operation........................... 130
Selection of Lubricant.................. 194
Transmission
Range Indicator....................91,130Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 70
Transmitter Programming................. 20
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators................... 141
Trip Computer.......................... 77
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 90
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 26
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 25
Turn Signals.......................63,64,89
Underhood Fuses....................... 202
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 235
Universal Joints........................ 184
Universal Transmitter.................... 70
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 191
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 148
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 23
Vinyl Trim............................ 199
248 INDEX