cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you mayneed to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
7
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified, as to specifications
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching on fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
7
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 365
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............167,236
Adding Fuel........................262,286
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 316
Air Conditioner Maintenance............198,319
Air Conditioning........................ 197
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 209
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 201
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............319,320
Air Conditioning System................197,319
Air Filter.............................. 316
Air Pressure, Tires....................249,257
Airbag.............................38,171
Airbag Light............................ 51
Alarm..............................24,167
Alarm, Panic............................ 21
Alignment and Balance................... 256
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 194
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........326,327,357Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 236
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 167
Anti-Theft System.....................24,167
Appearance Care........................ 337
Arming Theft System...................... 25
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 16
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............74,78
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Headlights.................... 122
Automatic Transaxle...................... 221
Automatic Transmission.............218,221,332
Adding Fluid......................... 333
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 334
Fluid Level Check...................... 332
Fluid Type........................334,360
Gear Ranges.......................... 221
Special Additives...................... 334
Torque Converter...................... 225
Axle Fluid............................. 360
394 INDEX
Axle Lubrication........................ 335
Ball Joints............................. 321
Battery............................... 318
Charging............................ 296
Emergency Starting..................... 296
Gas Caution.......................... 296
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 121
Belts, Drive............................ 315
Belts, Seat.............................. 29
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 321
B-Pillar Location........................ 244
Brake Fluid............................ 360
Brake System........................236,330
Anti-Lock........................... 236
Disc Brakes.......................... 330
Fluid Check.......................... 331
Hoses.............................. 332Master Cylinder....................... 331
Parking............................. 234
Warning Light.....................167,169
Brakes............................... 236
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 221
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 64
Bulb Replacement....................... 349
Bulbs, Light............................ 348
Calibration, Compass..................... 140
Capacities, Fluid........................ 357
Caps, Filler
Fuel.............................262,263
Oil (Engine).......................... 313
Power Steering........................ 320
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 324
Car Washes............................ 337
Carbon Monoxide Warning............65,144,266
Cargo Management System................. 156
INDEX 395
10
Turn Signal.....................125,164,350
Flat Tire Stowage.....................289,295
Flooded Engine Starting................... 219
Floor Console.......................... 153
Fluid, Brake.........................331,360
Fluid Capacities......................... 357
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 332
Brake............................... 331
Cooling System....................... 324
Engine Oil........................... 311
Power Steering........................ 320
Transfer Case......................... 335
Fog Lights..........................124,356
Folding Rear Seat.....................106,109
Four Wheel Drive....................... 226
Operation........................... 226
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 286
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 239Front Axle............................. 336
Fuel................................. 260
Adding............................. 262
Filter............................... 316
Gauge.............................. 164
Octane Rating......................260,359
Requirements......................260,357
Tank Capacity........................ 357
Fueling............................... 262
Fuses.............................152,341
Garage Door Opener..................... 142
GasCap ...........................263,307
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline.............................. 260
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 261
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
INDEX 399
10