FUEL REQUIREMENTS
GASOLINE ENGINES
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-
line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMTcontent of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopart04884900AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane (R + M)/2
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
7
Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 263
Fluids............................... 279
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 279
Fog Lights.......................79,116,273
Fog Lights, Rear........................ 119
Folding Rear Seat....................... 74
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan)................. 74
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 237
Fuel.............................. 211,279
Adding............................. 214
Additives........................... 212
Capacity............................ 278
Clean Air........................... 211
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................ 111,214
Filler Door (Gas Cap).................. 111
Filter.............................. 251
Gasoline............................ 211
Gauge.............................. 111
Hoses.............................. 260
Light.............................. 112
Octane Rating........................ 211Requirements........................ 211
System Hoses........................ 260
Tank Capacity........................ 278
Fuel System Caution.................... 216
Fueling.............................. 214
Fuses................................ 269
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...........214,216,242
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 211
Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 211,278
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 211
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 111
Fuel............................... 111
Odometer........................... 114
Tachometer.......................... 111
Gearshift............................. 177
General Information...................13,209
General Maintenance.................... 245
Glass Cleaning......................... 268
Glove Compartment..................... 103
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 218
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 217
312 INDEX
Lumbar Support........................ 71
Maintenance Free Battery................. 251
Maintenance, General.................... 245
Maintenance Procedures.................. 245
Maintenance Schedule................... 282
Schedule ªAº........................ 294
Schedule ªBº........................ 285
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)...................... 114,243
Manual, Service........................ 303
Manual Transaxle.................174,180,264
Downshifting........................ 182
Fluid Level Check..................264,265
Frequency of Fluid Change...........264,265
Lubricant Selection.................264,265
Map/Reading Lights..................... 77
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 262
Mirrors............................... 66
Electric Powered....................... 67
Outside............................. 66
Rearview............................ 66
Vanity.............................. 69Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 206
Mopar Parts........................244,302
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 77
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 59
Occupant Classification System (OCS)........ 43
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................ 29
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 211
Odometer............................. 114
Trip ............................. 114,115
Oil, Engine......................245,248,278
Capacity............................ 278
Change Interval...................... 246
Checking........................245,248
Disposal............................ 248
Filter.............................. 248
Materials Added to.................... 248
Recommendation..................247,278
Synthetic........................... 247
Viscosity............................ 247
Oil Pressure Light...................... 112
INDEX 315
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