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NOTE:For improved safety, the A/C compressor is
activated when ªMixº or ªDefrostº modes are selected.
This is done to assist in drying the air and it will help in
keeping the windshield from fogging.
Operating Tips
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended.
Winter Operation
The air from the heater system will heat faster in cold
weather if you use lower blower speeds until the engine
warms up.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES Ð HARD TOP ONLY
Rear Window Defogger
To turn the rear window defogger on, press the
rocker switch. If you press the switch a second
time, you will turn the defogger off. A light on the rocker
switch will indicate the defogger is on.
The defogger will automatically turn off after about ten
minutes. For five more minutes of operation, depress the
top of the switch to turn the defogger on again. To
prevent excessive battery drain use the defogger only
when the engine is operating.
154 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 178 of 299

WARNING!
To use your brakes and decelerate more safely, follow these
tips:
²Do not ªrideº the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal.
This could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping distances, or brake damage.
²When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
²Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because engine
braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
²Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up, which
could cause rear wheels to spin and result in loss of vehicle
control. Be especially careful while driving on slippery
roads, in close-quarter maneuvering, parking or stopping.
Remember, always engage 4-wheel drive when driving on
slippery roads.
²Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially when
roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can build up
between the tire tread and the road. This hydroplaning
action can cause loss of traction, braking ability, and
control. Under such conditions, engage 4-wheel drive.
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may
become wet, resulting in poor performance and unpredict-
able braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent
pedal action while driving at very slow speeds.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle han-
dling. To avoid loss of control resulting in personal
injury, follow these guidelines:
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor, and
locate heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or become
a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
²The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit in
seats and use seat belts.
²On hardtop models, do not drive with the lift glass
up. On fabric top models, do not drive with the rear
window curtain up unless the side curtains are also
open. This will prevent dangerous exhaust fumes
from entering the vehicle.
178 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 193 of 299

High Speed Operation
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don't drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at
continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
dealer for radial tire repairs.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5
Page 210 of 299

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 directional sig-
nals 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 transmission in N
(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
210 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 211 of 299
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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads ªHº,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Tool Kit Location
The jack handle driver and jack extension are located in a
kit that is stored on the floor board to the right of the
front passenger seat. On some models, this tool kit is
under the carpeting in the same location.
Jack Location
The jack and lug wrench are stored under the front
passenger seat.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 211
6
Page 221 of 299

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine..........................223
m4.0L Engine..........................224
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......225
mEmissions Inspection And
Maintenance Programs
..................226
mReplacement Parts.....................227
mDealer Service........................227
mMaintenance Procedures.................228
NEngine Oil..........................228
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 231
NSpark Plugs.........................232
NCatalytic Converter....................232NEngine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine.........233
NIgnition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine......233
NCrankcase Emission Control System........234
NFuel Filter..........................234
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................234
NMaintenance-Free Battery................234
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............235
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............236
NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................237
NBody Lubrication.....................237
NWindshield Wiper Blades................237
7
Page 231 of 299

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
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
authorized 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 of the manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopartengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º check all drive belts for condition and proper
tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage
and failure.
4.0L Engines
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
7
Page 234 of 299

Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on ªMaintenance Schedule A.º If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on ªMaintenance Schedule B.º
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner
unless it is necessary for repair or maintenance.
Make sure that no one is near the engine compart-
ment before starting the vehicle with the air cleaner
removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE