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NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the“Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
The suggested rotation method is the“forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.7L Engines
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane of 87.
3.5L and 5.7L Engines
The 3.5L and 5.7L engines are designed to
meet all emissions regulations and provide
satisfactory fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high-quality unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 89.
The manufacturer recommends the use of
89-octane for optimum performance. The routine use of
premium gasoline is not recommended. The use of
premium gasoline will provide no benefit over high-
quality regular gasoline or mid-grade gasoline and in
some circumstances may result in poorer performance.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5
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Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING
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environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacture’s engines have a full-flow type oil filter.
Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service.
MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
Drive Belts—Check Condition and Tensioner
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing, or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the“Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion”label in the engine compartment.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 225
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 314
Adding Fuel.......................... 257
Adding Washer Fluid..............109,110,310
Additives, Fuel........................ 255
Adjustable Pedals....................... 98
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 307
Air Conditioning....................... 192
Air Conditioning Filter................202,308
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 203
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 308
Air Conditioning System................. 192
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 244
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment....................43,49
Airbag Light....................44,51,61,144
Airbag Maintenance...................... 50
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........40,47
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 25
Alignment and Balance.................. 250
All Wheel Drive (AWD)...............229,321
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 185
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............313,344
Disposal............................ 315
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 225
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 144
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 25
Appearance Care....................... 321
Auto Down Power Windows............... 27
Auto Up Power Windows................. 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 67
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 103
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 196
Automatic Transmission............210,215,320
Adding Fluid.....................320,347
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 320
Fluid Change........................ 320
Fluid Level Check..................... 320
Fluid Type.......................... 347
Gear Ranges......................... 211
Torque Converter..................... 214
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 214
Autostick..........................217,222
374 INDEX