Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement“The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.”on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement“The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds”on
your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if“XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400–750 (5 x 150) =
650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
STARTING AND OPERATING 109
5
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations andnumber and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
110 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle-never
overload them.
TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
112 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum 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 the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).
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
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have a total
tread life of 3,000 miles (4 800 km). Be sure to follow
the warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to
do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.
Do not install more than one compact spare on your
vehicle at the same time.
STARTING AND OPERATING 115
5
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•fast tire wear;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
118 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunc-
tion Indicator light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is fueled.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
•Turn off engine.
•Rotate the gas cap to the left to remove.
•To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten to the right until at least one click is heard.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
STARTING AND OPERATING 125
5
Manual, Service........................ 200
Manual Transaxle..................95,98,164
Fluid Level Check..................... 164
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 164
Lubricant Selection.................... 164
Map/Reading Lights..................... 54
Master Cylinder........................ 163
Mirrors............................... 49
Electric Remote....................... 50
Outside............................. 49
Rearview............................ 49
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................144,200
Multi-Function Control Lever.............56,57
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Odometer
Trip ................................ 72
Oil, Engine.........................145,176
Capacity............................ 176
Change Interval...................... 146
Checking........................... 145
Disposal............................ 148Filter.............................. 149
Identification Logo.................... 148
Materials Added to.................... 148
Quality............................. 148
Recommendation..................147,176
Synthetic........................... 148
Viscosity............................ 148
Oil Pressure Light....................... 70
Onboard Diagnostic System............142,143
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 89
Overheating, Engine..................... 128
Owner’s Manual......................4,200
Paint Care............................ 165
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 100
Passing Light........................... 57
Pets.................................. 44
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 108
Power
Door Locks.......................... 14
Steering.........................103,154
210 INDEX
Alignment.......................... 118
Chains............................. 119
Changing........................... 130
Compact Spare....................... 115
General Information................... 112
High Speed.......................... 114
Inflation Pressures.................... 113
Jacking............................. 130
Load Capacity....................108,109
Quality Grading...................... 201
Radial.............................. 115
Replacement......................... 117
Rotation............................ 120
Safety.............................. 112
Sizes............................... 105
Snow Tires.......................... 119
Spinning............................ 116
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 117
Towing
Disabled Vehicle...................... 138
Transaxle
Manual...........................95,98
Transmitter Battery Service................ 20Transporting Pets........................ 44
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 117
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 72
Trunk Release Button..................... 17
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 17
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 17
Turbo Boost Gauge...................91,121
Turbo Cool Down....................... 97
Turn Signals.........................57,70
Underhood Fuses....................... 170
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 201
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt............. 28
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 161
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 125
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 173
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 69
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 198
INDEX 213
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