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when the engine is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing. The light will come on when the ignition
is first turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. Front Fog Light Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
25. Voltage Warning Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.26. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The Low Fuel
Warning Light may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4
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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
294 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
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To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a “fast charger” is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt condition should also be checked at this
time.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............122,126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator........................140,180,183
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 184
Fog .............................126,185
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 183
Fuses............................... 381
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 330
Headlight Switch...................... 122
Headlights On With Wipers............... 123
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
Illuminated Entry....................... 18
Instrument Cluster..................122,125
Interior..........................120,125
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Low Fuel............................ 185
LowTire ............................ 181
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 178
Oil Pressure.......................... 180Passing............................. 126
Reading............................. 121
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 183
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 180
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 178
SmartBeams.......................... 124
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 181
Tow/Haul Indicator.................... 183
Traction Control....................140,180
Turn Signal........................122,126
VanityMirror .......................... 82
Voltage............................. 185
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 166
Loading Vehicle
Tires ............................... 285
Locks................................. 18
Automatic Door........................ 20
Child Protection........................ 19
Door................................ 18
428 INDEX
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Liftgate, Tailgate........................ 18
Power Door........................... 20
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 63,64
Lubrication, Body....................... 363
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 169
Lumbar Support........................ 106
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 359
Maintenance Procedures................... 351
Maintenance Schedule.................... 392
Schedule “A”......................... 405
Schedule “B”......................... 395
Maintenance Schedules.................... 392
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 178,349
Manual, Service......................... 416
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 371
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 114
Memory Seat........................... 114Memory Seats and Radio.................. 114
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 195
Mirrors ................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 79
Electric Powered....................... 81
Electric Remote........................ 81
Exterior Folding........................ 80
Heated.............................. 80
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 78
Vanity ............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 9
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 297
Mopar Parts.........................350,415
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 280
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 122
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 68
INDEX 429
10