INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fog Light Indicator
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
2. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light comes on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, or there is a
low brake fluid level. It may also indicate an ABS
malfunction that could lead to reduced braking per-
formance.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
The operation of the Brake Warning light can be checked
by turning the ignition key from the OFF to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for three seconds, or
until the engine is started, whichever comes first. The
light should then go out unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not
illuminate, have the light inspected and serviced as soon
as possible.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
3. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS)
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 63
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If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to a
point midway between ON and START. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.
6. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
7. Tachometer
The silver area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
8. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition key is
turned from OFF to the ON position, and the light will
turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
64 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate briefly
when the key is in the ON/RUN position before
engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
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.
17. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Press this 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.
18. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading changes during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.
19. Door Ajar Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent indicator illuminates when a
door is not completely closed. If the door is open for more
than 8 minutes and the ignition key is in the OFF
position, the indicator will turn off.
66 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
20. Trip Indicator
This light will illuminate when the Trip Odometer is in
use.
21. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature.
Normal operating range should be
within one notch above or one notch
below the 200 degree mark. The
gauge pointer may show a higher
than normal temperature when driv-
ing in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or in heavy stop and go
traffic.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull off to the side of the road
at a safe area. With the vehicle in Park (automatic
transmission), or with the vehicle in neutral and the
emergrncy brake applied (manual transmission), idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until thepointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the H (red) mark, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 67
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Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 109
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
120 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, and engine control
systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
134 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Maintenance Procedures.................. 136
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule9A9......................... 178
Schedule9B9......................... 171
Maintenance Schedules.................. 168
Malfunction Indicator Light.............66,134
Manual, Service........................ 188
Manual Transaxle..................87,90,155
Fluid Level Check..................... 155
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 155
Lubricant Selection.................... 155
Master Cylinder........................ 154
Mirrors............................... 47
Electric Remote....................... 48
Outside............................. 47
Rearview............................ 47
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................136,187
Multi-Function Control Lever.............53,55
Occupant Restraints...................... 19
Odometer
Trip ................................ 66Oil, Engine........................... 137
Change Interval...................... 138
Checking........................... 137
Disposal............................ 140
Filter.............................. 140
Identification Logo.................... 139
Materials Added to.................... 139
Quality............................. 139
Recommendation..................... 138
Synthetic........................... 139
Oil Pressure Light....................... 64
Onboard Diagnostic System............... 134
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 82
Overheating, Engine..................... 120
Owner's Manual......................4,188
Paint Care............................ 155
Panic Alarm........................... 17
Parking Brake.......................... 92
Passing Light........................... 55
Pets.................................. 42
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 100
INDEX 197
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