
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•brake pedal pulsations,
•and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
STARTING AND OPERATING 197
5

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
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 to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•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
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
charts that follow. This information should be used for
passenger and luggage loading as indicated.
If the seatbacks are folded for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5

Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
The windshield washer system and the headlamp washer
system share the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is
located in the engine compartment and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
The reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid when the
Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPAR DOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHT BULBS — Exterior Bulb Number
Low Beam Headlamp – High
Intensity Discharge (HID).... D1S(Serviced at Dealer)
High Beam Headlamp....................9005
Front Park/Turn Lamp.................3157AK
Front Fog Lamp.......9145/H10 (Serviced at Dealer)
Front Sidemarker......... W5W(Serviced at Dealer)
Tail/Stop Lamp.........................3057
Tail Lamp.............................3057
Turn Signal Lamp.......................3057
Backup Lamp..........................3057
Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)....... LED
License.............................. W5WBULB REPLACEMENT
Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp, and
Park/Turn Lamp
High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID)
The headlights are a type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the circuit even with the
headlight switch off and the key removed.Because of
this, you should not attempt to service a headlight bulb
yourself. If a headlight bulb fails, take your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A transient high tension occurs at the bulb sockets of
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights when the
headlight switch is turned ON. It may cause serious
electrical shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for service.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 195
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 259
Adding Fuel.......................... 224
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,105,257
Additives, Fuel........................ 222
Adjustable Pedals....................... 94
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 254
Air Conditioning Filter................179,255
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 180
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 255
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 209
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................39,45
Airbag Light....................40,47,57,135
Airbag Maintenance...................... 46
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window......................35,43
Alarm System.......................... 21
Alignment and Balance.................. 214
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 167
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............259,281
Disposal............................ 260Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 195
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 135
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 21
Appearance Care....................... 266
Auto Down Power Windows............... 23
Auto Up Power Windows................. 24
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Headlights.................... 99
Automatic Temperature Control............ 173
Automatic Transmission............185,265,266
Adding Fluid.....................266,282
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 266
Fluid Change........................ 266
Fluid Level Check..................... 265
Fluid Type.......................... 282
Autostick..........................187,192
Ball Joints............................ 256
Battery............................... 253
Jump Starting........................ 235
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
Location.........................236,253
308 INDEX

Bearings.............................. 266
Belts, Drive........................... 250
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 256
B-Pillar Location....................... 204
Brake Assist System..................... 108
Brake, Parking......................... 194
Brake System.......................195,262
Anti-Lock........................... 195
Fluid Check......................264,282
Hoses.............................. 263
Warning Light....................... 136
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 192
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 56
Bulb Replacement...................... 276
Bulbs, Light........................... 275
Calibration, Compass.................... 144
Capacities, Fluid....................... 281
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 224
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 260
Car Washes........................... 267
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............56,223Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 126
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 171
Catalytic Converter..................... 251
CD Player............................ 152
Cellular Phone.......................... 66
Chains, Tire........................... 217
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 201
Child Restraint...................48,50,52,54
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 52
Child Safety Locks....................... 17
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 221
Climate Control........................ 173
Clock.............................151,153
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 172
Compass............................. 143
Compass Calibration.................... 144
Compass Variance...................... 144
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 142
Console.............................. 126
Console, Floor......................... 126
Console, Overhead...................... 113
Contract, Service....................... 302
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 260
INDEX 309
10