Page 7 of 241

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 9
NIgnition Key Removal................... 9
NLocking Doors With The Key..............10
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................10
mSentry Key............................11
NReplacement Keys......................12
NSentry Key Programming.................12
NGeneral Information....................13
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped.........13
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......13
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........13NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .14
mDoor Locks...........................14
NManual Door Locks.....................14
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........15
NCentral Locking/Unlocking Ð If Equipped....15
NAutomatic Door Locks Ð If Equipped.......16
NChild-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................16
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped........17
NTo Unlock The Doors...................17
NTo Lock The Doors.....................18
NHorn Chirp Feature.....................18
2
Page 50 of 241

NHeadlight Dimmer Switch................62
NPassing Light.........................62
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........63
NWindshield Washers....................63
NMist Function.........................63
NIntermittent Wiper System................63
NLo Speed Wipers.......................64
NHi Speed Wipers.......................64
mTilt Steering Column.....................64
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......65
NTo Activate...........................65NTo Set At A Desired Speed................66
NTo Deactivate.........................66
NTo Resume Speed......................66
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................66
NManual Transaxle......................67
NTo Accelerate For Passing................67
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............68
NSunroof Maintenance....................69
NWind Buffeting........................69
mConsole Features.......................69
NAsh Receiver And Cigar Lighter............70
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 112 of 241

NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If
Equipped...........................124
mPower Steering........................125
mTire Safety Information..................125
NTire Markings........................125
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........128
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........129
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............133
NTire Pressure.........................133
NTire Inflation Pressures.................134
NRadial-Ply Tires......................136
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........136
NTire Spinning........................137
NTread Wear Indicators..................137
NReplacement Tires.....................138
NAlignment And Balance.................139
mTire Chains...........................139
mSnow Tires...........................140
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........141
mFuel Requirements.....................141
N2.0L Standard Engine..................141
N2.0L High Output Engine................142
NSpark Knock.........................142
NReformulated Gasoline.................142
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............142
NMMT In Gasoline.....................143
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................143
NMaterials Added To Fuel................144
NFuel System Cautions..................144
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............145
mAdding Fuel..........................145
NFuel Tank Filler Cap...................145
112 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 125 of 241

POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire MarkingsNOTE:
²
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
²European Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter9P9is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H
²LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters ªLTº that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
²Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter ªTº
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
²High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
STARTING AND OPERATING 125
5
Page 163 of 241

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.0L Engine Compartment...............165
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......166
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................167
mReplacement Parts.....................168
mDealer Service........................168
mMaintenance Procedures.................169
NEngine Oil..........................169
NIgnition Wiring System.................174
NCrankcase Emission Control System........174
NFuel Filter..........................175
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............175NMaintenance-Free Battery................175
NAir Conditioner......................176
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............177
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............178
NBody Lubrication.....................178
NWindshield Wiper Blades................178
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......179
NWindshield Washer Aiming..............179
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............179
NExhaust System......................179
NCooling System.......................180
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Page 177 of 241

a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere, the manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recycling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, SealConditioners, Compressor Oils, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
7
Page 185 of 241

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
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 surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
7
Page 201 of 241

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil. Refer to oil viscosity chart for cor-
rect SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar 4105409 or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 91 Octane for 2.0L H.O. and 87 Octane for 2.0L Standard Engine.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7