Page 233 of 299

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
²Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
²Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Engine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the ignition cables at the intervals described in
the appropriate maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
7
Page 241 of 299

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of recom-
mended 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water
should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed
70%) if temperatures below -37ÉF (-38ÉC) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. The
coolant level must be at the FULL mark or above the
ADD mark on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
not need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7
Page 291 of 299

Coolant Temperature Gauge............. 118
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge.............. 117
Jacking............................. 211
Jump Starting........................ 216
Emission Control System Maintenance....226,262
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 234
Block Heater......................... 162
Break-In Recommendations............... 39
Compartment........................ 224
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 40
Fails to Start......................... 161
Flooded, Starting..................... 161
Fuel Requirements.................197,258
Jump Starting........................ 216
Oil .............................228,258
Oil Disposal......................... 231
Oil Filter............................ 231
Oil Pressure Gauge.................... 117
Oil Selection......................... 258
Overheating......................... 210
Starting............................ 160
Temperature Gauge.................... 118Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 230
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 40
Exhaust System........................ 238
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 21
Exterior Finish Care..................... 249
Fabric Care........................250,252
Fabric Top............................ 250
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 234
Engine Fuel......................... 234
Engine Oil.......................... 231
Finish Care........................... 249
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 210
Turn Signal.......................... 116
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 161
Fluid Capacities........................ 258
Fluid Level Checks...................... 248
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Manual Transmission.................. 247
INDEX 291
10
Page 295 of 299

Mopar Parts........................227,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 56
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 39
Occupant Restraints...................... 16
Octane Rating, Gasoline.................. 197
Odometer............................. 119
Trip ............................... 119
Off-Pavement Driving................... 181
Off-Road Driving....................... 181
Oil, Engine........................... 228
Capacity............................ 258
Dipstick............................ 228
Filter.............................. 231
Identification Logo.................... 230
Materials Added to.................... 231
Recommendation..................230,258
Viscosity............................ 258
Onboard Diagnostic System............225,226
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 49
Overheating, Engine..................... 210
Owner's Manual....................... 285Paint Care............................ 248
Paint Damage......................... 248
Parking Brake......................... 175
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............ 26
Passing Light........................... 57
PCV Valve............................ 234
Pets.................................. 39
Pets, Transporting....................... 39
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 188
Polishing and Waxing................... 249
Power
Distribution Center.................... 256
Steering............................ 236
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 21
Preparation for Jacking................... 213
Pressure Gauge, Oil..................... 117
Radial Ply Tires........................ 193
Radio.......................122,130,135,140
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 121
Radio Operation..................130,135,149
Radio, Satellite......................... 145
Rear Axle............................. 248
INDEX 295
10