
Adjustable Head Restraints
Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Adjust the restraints so
that the upper edge is as high as practical. To raise, pull
up on the head restraint. To lower, depress the button on
the post guide and push down on the head restraint.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Adjustable Head Restraint
Hood Release Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
3

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”or“EXTREME COLD
WEATHER”procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the“NORMAL STARTING”or“EX-
TREME COLD WEATHER”procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS—If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, addfluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
7

Heater, Engine Block.................... 146
High Beam Indicator..................... 92
Homelink Transmitter.................... 77
Hood Prop............................ 66
Hood Release.......................... 65
Hoses............................224,227
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Lock................................ 9
Illuminated Entry....................... 12
Immobilizer............................ 10
Infant Restraint......................... 36
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 58
Instrument Cluster..................88,89,90
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 87
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 233
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 233
Interior Fuses.......................... 237
Interior Lighting........................ 67
Interior Lights........................67,68
Introduction............................ 4Jack Location.......................... 188
Jack Operation......................... 188
Jump Starting......................... 193
Key, Programming....................... 11
Key, Replacement........................ 11
Key, Sentry............................ 10
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 16
Keys.................................. 9
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 24
LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren)...................38,40
Latches
Hood............................... 65
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 174
Leaks, Fluid............................ 45
Lights..............................45,67
Airbag........................33,35,45,91
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 94
Automatic Headlights................... 70
Brake Warning.....................95,151
284 INDEX

Top Cover............................. 52
Towing.........................179,197,198
Disabled Vehicle...................... 197
Trailering........................... 179
Traction Control....................73,91,155
Traction Control Switch................73,155
Trailer Towing......................... 179
Minimum Requirements................ 179
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 179
Warnings........................... 179
Transaxle............................. 227
Additives........................... 229
Automatic.....................147,149,227
Autostick........................... 173
Filter.............................. 229
Overdrive........................... 150
Selection of Lubricant.................. 227
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 93
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 19
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 77
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 16Transporting Pets........................ 43
Tread Wear Indicators................... 169
Trip Computer.......................... 97
Trip Odometer.......................... 93
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 93
Trunk Release, Emergency...............21,22
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 21
Turn Signals.........................70,92
Underhood Fuses....................... 236
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 274
Universal Transmitter.................... 77
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 174
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 224
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 61
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 161
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 239
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 232
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 246
290 INDEX