Page 169 of 424

the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as
specified on the vehicle placard. (See page 268 for more
information.)
6. 4LO Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4 LO four–wheel drive mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. (See page 236 for more infor-
mation.)
7. Fog Light Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are on.8. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD II which monitors engine and auto-
matic transmission control systems. This light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the ignition key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such has a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” may flash to alert of serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4
Page 174 of 424

Also, the light will come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
19. Full Time Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the FULL TIME four–wheel drive mode, and
employs the inter-axle differential which al-
lows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. (See page 236 for more information.)
20. Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light — If
Equipped
Refer to “Sentry Key Immobilizer System” or “Vehicle
Security Alarm” in Section 2 of this manual for more
information.21. Fuel Gage
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the pointer
will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. A
small arrow indicates the side of the vehicle where the
filler cap (gas cap) is located.
22. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The “Low Fuel
Warning Light” may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.
23. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If the
light doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 219 of 424
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring — Base System.....268
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring — Premium System . 270
▫General Information...................273
Tire Chains...........................274
Tire Rotation Recommendations............275
Fuel Requirements (Gasoline Engines)........276
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................277
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............278
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................278
▫Materials Added To Fuel................279
▫Fuel System Cautions..................279▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............280
Fuel Requirements (Diesel Engines)..........280
Fuel Tank Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............281
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............283
Trailer Towing.........................283
▫Warranty Requirements.................284
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 287
▫Towing – 2WD Models.................287
▫Towing — 4WD Models................287
Snow Plow...........................289
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
5
Page 266 of 424
Tread Wear Indicators
These indicators are narrow strips 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)
thick and are found in the tread pattern grooves.
When the tread pattern is worn down to these treadwear
indicators, the tires should be replaced.
Overloading your vehicle, long trips in very hot weather,
and driving on bad roads may result in greater wear.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in quality and performance when replacement
is needed (see section on tread wear indicators). Failure
to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, ride and fuel economy of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment tire dealer on any questions you may have on
tire specifications or capability.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 281 of 424

NOTE:DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that
this vehicle should be operated using Diesel fuel with 15
ppm Sulfur or less, where it is available.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in your area,
a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.
FUEL TANK FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)
WARNING!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
CAUTION!
DO NOT put gasoline in your diesel vehicle (if
equipped). If you accidentally put gasoline in your
vehicle, DO NOT start the engine. This will cause
damage to the fuel system. Have the fuel system
flushed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5
Page 282 of 424
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door, on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
When tightening the gas cap, tighten until 2 or 3 clicks
are heard to insure that the cap is properly seated.
NOTE:A loose gas cap may cause the “Malfunction
Indicator Light” to illuminate.
Fuel Filler Cap
282 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 283 of 424

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
“Overhead Console” in Section 3 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.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5
Page 303 of 424
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine...........................306
3.7L Engine...........................307
2.8L Turbo Diesel Engine.................308
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........309
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............309
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................310
Replacement Parts......................311
Dealer Service.........................312Maintenance Procedures..................312
▫Engine Oil..........................312
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 316
▫Spark Plugs.........................317
▫Catalytic Converter....................317
▫Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine.........319
▫Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine......319
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........319
▫Air Cleaner Filter.....................319
7