Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
local dealer for service.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Contract, Service....................... 316
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 273
Cooling System........................ 271
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 273
Coolant Capacity..................... 295
Coolant Level.....................271,274
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 274
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 272
Inspection........................... 274
Points to Remember................... 274
Pressure Cap........................ 273
Radiator Cap........................ 273
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....272,295,296
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 108
Cup Holder........................122,283
Customer Assistance.................... 314
Data Recorder, Event..................... 48
Dealer Service......................... 258
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 178
Defroster, Windshield...............58,180,185
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 256Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 99
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 274
Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage.................... 112
Drive Belts............................ 262
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 249
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 168
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 67
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 120
Electronic Brake Control System............ 103
Electronic Speed Control................. 108
Electronic Stability Program............... 104
Electronic Vehicle Information Center........ 139
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 250
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 242
Jump Starting........................ 247
Overheating......................... 242
Towing............................. 251
324 INDEX
Emission Control System Maintenance....257,298
Engine............................... 255
Air Cleaner.......................... 263
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 263
Break-In Recommendations............... 57
Checking Oil Level.................... 260
Compartment........................ 255
Coolant (Antifreeze)................271,296
Cooling............................ 271
Exhaust Gas Caution................57,234
Fails to Start......................... 193
Fuel Requirements.................231,295
Oil ..........................260,295,296
Oil Change Interval................... 261
Oil Selection......................261,295
Overheating......................... 242
Temperature Gauge................... 133
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 262
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 262
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 47
Event Data Recorder..................... 48
Exhaust Gas Caution...............57,234,270
Exhaust System........................ 270Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 66
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 263
Air Conditioning..................187,268
Engine Fuel......................... 264
Engine Oil.......................262,296
Engine Oil Disposal................... 262
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 242
Turn Signal.......................... 134
Flash-To-Pass........................... 99
Floor Console.......................... 124
Fluid Capacities........................ 295
Fluid Leaks............................ 59
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 277
Cooling System....................... 271
Engine Oil.......................... 260
Power Steering....................... 268
Fluids............................... 296
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 296
Fog Lights..........................99,135
INDEX 325
10
Exterior Folding....................... 66
Heated.............................. 67
Outside............................. 66
Rearview............................ 65
Vanity.............................. 67
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 223
Mopar Parts........................258,316
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 97
Navigation System...................... 173
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 57
Occupant Restraints...................... 28
Oil, Engine.........................260,296
Capacity............................ 295
Change Interval...................... 261
Checking........................... 260
Disposal............................ 262
Filter...........................262,296
Filter Disposal....................... 262
Materials Added to.................... 262
Recommendation..................261,295Viscosity............................ 295
Onboard Diagnostic System............256,257
Opener, Garage Door.................... 112
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 111
Overheating, Engine..................133,242
Owner’s Manual......................4,317
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 203
Parking On Hill........................ 203
Passing Light........................... 99
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 93
Personal Settings....................... 147
Pets.................................. 56
Phone, Cellular......................... 68
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 68
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 213
Power
Brakes............................. 204
Distribution Center.................... 283
Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 67
INDEX 329
10