Page 212 of 292

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
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, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 222 of 292

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below34°F(37°C) are anticipated.
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.
Coolant 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.
CAUTION!
Be sure to use only the cooling system pressure cap
specified for your vehicle. Use of any other pressure
cap may result in decreased engine cooling system
performance and/or damage to your vehicle.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 281 of 292

Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 74
Cruise Light........................... 91
Customer Assistance.................... 268
Daytime Running Lights.................. 70
Dealer Service......................... 205
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 137
Defroster, Windshield...............45,131,136
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 203
Dimmer Control........................ 68
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 71
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 223
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Door Ajar Warning...................... 14
Door Locks............................ 12
Door Locks, Automatic................... 14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 77
Drive Belts............................ 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 196Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 82
Electrical Power Outlets................... 82
Electronic Speed Control.................. 74
Emergency Brake....................... 151
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 197
Jacking............................. 188
Jump Starting........................ 193
Overheating......................... 186
Towing............................. 197
Emergency Trunk Release...............21,22
Emission Control System Maintenance....204,250
Engine............................201,202
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 211
Block Heater......................... 146
Break-In Recommendations............... 43
Checking Oil Level.................... 206
Compartment.....................201,202
Coolant (Antifreeze)................220,247
Cooling............................ 220
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 177
Fails to Start......................... 146
Fuel Requirements.................174,246
INDEX 281
10
Page 282 of 292

Oil ..........................206,246,247
Oil Change Interval................... 207
Oil Selection......................208,246
Oil Synthetic......................... 209
Overheating......................... 186
Timing Belt.......................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 246
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Exhaust Gas Caution...............44,177,219
Exhaust System........................ 219
Exterior Light Service.................... 240
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 211
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Engine Fuel......................... 211
Engine Oil.......................210,247
Engine Oil Disposal................... 210
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 186
Turn Signal.......................... 92
Flash-To-Pass........................... 71
Flat Tire Changing...................... 188Flexible Fuel Vehicles.................... 181
Cruising Range....................... 183
Engine Oil.......................182,209
Fuel Requirements.................... 181
Maintenance......................... 184
Replacement Parts.................... 184
Starting............................ 183
Floor Console.......................... 57
Fluid, Brake........................... 248
Fluid Capacities........................ 246
Fluid Leaks............................ 45
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Capacities........................... 246
Cooling System....................... 220
Engine Oil.......................... 206
Power Steering....................... 215
Fluids............................... 247
Fog Light Service....................... 243
Fog Lights........................70,93,243
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 197
Fuel................................. 174
Adding............................. 177
282 INDEX
Page 286 of 292

Maintenance Procedures.................. 206
Maintenance Schedule................... 250
Light Duty ScheduleB................ 253
ScheduleA......................... 261
ScheduleB......................... 253
Malfunction Indicator Light.............92,204
Manual, Service........................ 272
Mirrors............................... 58
Electric Remote....................... 60
Outside............................. 60
Rearview............................ 58
Vanity.............................. 61
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................205,272
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 69
Navigation System...................... 121
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Odometer............................. 93
Tampering........................... 93
Trip ................................ 93
Oil, Engine......................206,246,247Capacity............................ 246
Change Interval...................... 207
Checking........................... 206
Disposal............................ 210
Filter...........................210,247
Filter Disposal....................... 210
Identification Logo.................182,208
Materials Added to.................... 210
Pressure Gauge....................... 94
Quality..........................182,208
Recommendation..................208,246
Synthetic........................... 209
Viscosity.........................209,246
Onboard Diagnostic System............203,204
Opener, Garage Door..................... 77
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overdrive............................ 150
Overheating, Engine..................... 186
Owner’s Manual......................4,272
Paint Care............................ 229
Paint Damage......................... 229
Panic Alarm........................... 17
286 INDEX