•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it
must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
Tire Safety Information..................158
▫Tire Markings........................158
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........162
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........163
Tires—General Information...............167
▫Tire Pressure.........................167
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................168
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................170
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........170
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........171
▫Tire Spinning........................172
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................172
▫Life Of Tire.........................173
▫Replacement Tires.....................173
▫Alignment And Balance.................174
Tire Chains...........................175
Snow Tires...........................175
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........175
AutoStick — If Equipped................176
▫AutoStick Operation...................176
▫AutoStick General Information............177
Fuel Requirements.....................178
▫Spark Knock.........................178
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................178
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............179
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................179
▫Materials Added To Fuel................179
▫Fuel System Cautions..................180
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............180
Flexible Fuel— (Fleet Vehicles Only)........181
▫E-85 General Information................181
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................181
144 STARTING AND OPERATING
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either
the face of the driver’s door or the driver’s side “B” pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.
Tire Placard Location
168 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C)
•Stop and Go driving
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off— road or desert operation
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
7
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid or that is
unidentified as to DOT FMVSS specification may
result in sudden brake failure during hard or pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
This is referred to as a “Transaxle.”
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
About Your Brakes...................... 155
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 155
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 233
Adding Fuel.......................... 183
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 230
Additives, Fuel........................ 179
Aiming Headlights...................... 254
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 222
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 226
Air Conditioning....................129,135
Air Conditioning Controls................ 129
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........134,140
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 227
Air Conditioning System..............135,226
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 168
Airbag................................ 32
Airbag Deployment....................35,36
Airbag Light...................35,36,38,47,89
Airbag Maintenance...................... 38
Airbag, Side........................... 37
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........32,37
Alarm Light............................ 93Alarm, Panic........................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 21
Alignment and Balance.................. 174
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 124
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............232,255
Capacities........................... 255
Disposal............................ 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 155
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 91
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 21
Appearance Care....................... 241
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 54
Automatic Door Locks..................15,16
Automatic Headlights.................... 65
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 129
Automatic Transaxle............149,151,238,257
Adding Fluid........................ 257
Filter.............................. 240
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 240
Fluid Level Check..................... 239
Interlock System....................10,150
Reset Mode......................... 151
286 INDEX
Selection Of Lubricant...............239,257
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 240
Autostick............................. 176
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 80
Ball Joints............................ 228
Battery............................... 224
Emergency Starting.................... 205
Gas Caution......................207,225
Heater............................. 148
Jump Starting........................ 205
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................205,224
Belts, Drive........................... 222
Belts, Engine.......................... 224
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 228
B-Pillar Location....................... 163
Brake, Parking......................... 153
Brake System.......................155,236
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 155
Fluid Check......................... 237
Hoses.............................. 236Master Cylinder...................... 237
Warning Light........................ 92
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........149,151
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................249,251
Bulbs, Light........................... 248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 255
Capacities, Fluid....................... 255
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 183
Oil (Engine)......................... 221
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 233
Car Washes........................... 241
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180
Carpeting............................. 243
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 127
Cassette Tape Player................99,108,110
Catalytic Converter..................... 223
CD (Compact Disc) Changer......106,111,116,119
CD (Compact Disc) Player.......104,113,115,126
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 253
Central Locking......................... 15
INDEX 287
10