NOTE:Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and
taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause
headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle).
Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions on the windshield
or camera lens will cause the system to function improp-
erly.
Instrument Panel and Interior Lights
When the multi-function control lever is in the parklight,
headlight, or A (Auto) position (if equipped), rotating the
center portion of the lever up and down will increase and
decrease the brightness (dimmer control) of the instru-
ment panel lights. Full daytime brightness on all elec-
tronic displays (odometer, overhead console, radio, and
Automatic Climate Control (if equipped) is obtained by
rotating the center portion of the control to the first
detent above the dimmer range. Rotating the control to
the second detent above the dimmer range turns the
interior lights on. Rotating the control to the “Off”
(extreme bottom) position disables all the interior lights,even when the doors and liftgate are open. While in the
“Off” position the instrument panel lighting is at the
lowest light level and may not be suitable for night
driving.
Daytime Running Lights — Canada Only
The headlights come on at a low intensity level whenever
the engine is running. The lights remain on until the
ignition switch is turned OFF or the parking brake is
engaged. The headlight switch must be used for normal
night time driving.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound when the driver’s door
is opened.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3
17. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert)in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information.
18. Cruise Indicator Light
This indicator lights when the speed control
system is turned ON.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage.U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
20. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
21. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, 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 smaller than the minimum tire size
listed on your vehicle’s tire label. Using a smaller tire
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.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle - never overload them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires
with a different size.
Alignment and Balance
The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed, to obtain maximum
tire tread life.
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•reduced tread life;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to the right or to the left.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel cap
(gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-
market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indica-
tor Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping
from the system.
•Turn the engine off.
•Rotate the fuel cap to the left to remove.
•To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click.
This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened.
•Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
under the fuel cap.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in Section 4 of
this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System — OBDII” in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)...........................58,59
Lubrication, Body....................... 327
Luggage Rack.......................... 157
Lumbar Support........................ 101
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 324
Maintenance Procedures................... 316
Maintenance Schedule.................... 362
ScheduleA......................... 376
ScheduleB.......................... 365
Maintenance Schedules.................... 362
Malfunction Indicator Light..............164,314
Manual, Service......................... 389
Master Cylinder......................... 335
Memory Seat.........................75,106
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 106
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 180
Mirrors................................ 72Automatic Dimming..................... 73
Electric Powered....................... 75
Electric Remote........................ 75
Exterior Folding........................ 74
Heated.............................. 74
Outside.............................. 74
Rearview............................. 72
Vanity............................... 76
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 269
Mopar Parts.........................315,388
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 254
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 112
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 63
Occupant Restraints....................... 27
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 277
Odometer............................. 168
INDEX 401
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