3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint
to the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.
Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions,we recommend engine oils
that are API Certified and meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler's Material Standard MS-6395. Use Mo-
par or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-
6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). We
only recommend API Certified en-
gine oils that meet the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler's Mate-
rial Standard MS-6395. Use Mopar
or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendation and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity chart.
Flexible Fuel Engine Oil
If you operate the vehicle on E-85 fuel either full or
part-time, use only Mopar Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil
or an equivalent that meets the manufacturers Standard
MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel engine oils
194 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel
(AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet
the manufacturer's standard.
CAUTION!
If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using
E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly.
This may void your warranty.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a growing number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you choose
to use such a product, useonlythose oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) and SAE viscosity
standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your
driving type.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) toengine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
7
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified GF-3 engine oil. SAE 5W-30 is recommended. Refer to the
engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label under the engine
hood.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) MopartOil Filter (P/N 4105409) or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L Engine) MopartOil Filter (P/N 5281090) or equivalent.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 174
Emergency Trunk Release................. 24
Emission Control System Maintenance....190,232
Engine............................187,188
Block Heater......................... 132
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 192
Compartment.....................187,188
Cooling............................ 205
Oil .............................192,227
Oil Change Interval................... 193
Oil Selection......................... 194
Oil Synthetic......................... 195
Overheating......................... 172
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter . . 232
Timing Belt.......................... 198
Engine Oil Viscosity..................194,227
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 194
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 204
Exhaust System........................ 204Exterior Light Service.................... 222
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 196
Automatic Transaxle................... 213
Engine Fuel......................... 196
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 172
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 168
Engine Oil.......................... 194
Maintenance......................... 169
Replacement Parts.................... 169
Starting............................ 168
Fluid Capacities........................ 227
Fluid Leaks............................ 50
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Capacities........................... 227
Fog Light Service....................... 225
Fog Lights..........................64,225
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 183
INDEX 265
10
Traction Control....................67,85,142
Trailer Towing......................... 164
Minimum Requirements................ 164
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 164
Warnings........................... 164
Transaxle............................. 211
Additives........................... 213
Automatic........................... 211
Filter.............................. 213
Manual..........................137,184
Selection of Lubricant.................. 212
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 87
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 70
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 48
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trip Computer.......................... 90
Trip Odometer.......................... 88
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 24
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 23Turn Signals.........................64,86
Underhood Fuses....................... 219
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 258
Universal Transmitter.................... 70
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 209
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 56
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................147,164
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Vinyl Trim............................ 216
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................194,227
Voltmeter.............................. 86
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 17
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 172
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................65,203
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Waxing and Polishing................... 215
272 INDEX