light doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while
driving, have the airbag system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
24. O/D (Overdrive) Off Indicator Light This light will illuminate when the O/D OFF
button has been selected. The O/D OFF button is
located on the gear shift lever.
25. Seat Belt Indicator Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash
or remain on continuously. Refer to Enhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) in the Occupant
Restraints section for more information. 26. Light Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light indicates when the light bar lamps
are on.
27. Water In Fuel Warning Light — Diesel Models
Only This light indicates water has collected in the
fuel filter and should be drained immediately.
Refer to “Starting Procedures — Diesel Fuel
Water Separator” in Section 5 of this manual, or
see your authorized dealer for service
28. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a prob-
lem is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required 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 autho-
rized dealer.
NOTE: “Two-footed” driving is not recommended. In-
advertently driving with the brake pedal depressed for
more than a few seconds when the accelerator pedal is
held in place can cause the ETC system to assume that a
stuck accelerator pedal has occurred. This will result in a loss of power. Returning the brake pedal to its normal
position or moving the accelerator pedal will cancel this
condition. If the depressed brake pedal and the constant
accelerator pedal position are maintained for an extended
period of time, the ETC warning light will begin to flash
and continue until the ignition switch is cycled in the
same manner as above.
29. Glow Plug Indicator Light — Diesel Models Only
This light will illuminate when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON position. Wait
until the light turns off before starting the
vehicle. Refer to “Starting Procedures — Nor-
mal Starting Diesel Engines” in Section 5 of this manual.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4
30. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light — If
EquippedThe ESP/BAS warning light in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. The light should
go out with the engine running. If the ESP/
BAS warning light comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light stays illuminated,
have the ESP and BAS checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in Section 5 for more information. 31. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped. The indicator light will flash when the ESP or
TCS System is active and helping to improve vehicle
stability. If the indicator light is on solid, ESP or TCS may
not be able to function normally. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in Section 5 for more information.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D OFF (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “O/D OFF” button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5
JUMP STARTING — GASOLINE ENGINES
NOTE:Check the charge indicator on the battery. If the
indicator is light or yellow, replace the battery.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in P (Park), or manual
transmission in N (Neutral), and turn the ignition to OFF
for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads. 4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then connect the other end to
a non-paint metal surface on the engine of the vehicle
with the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good
contact on the engine.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 307
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.7L Engine ...........................314
2.8L Turbo Diesel Engine .................315
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........316
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............316
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................317
Replacement Parts ......................318
Dealer Service .........................318
Maintenance Procedures ..................319 ▫
Engine Oil ..........................319
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 323
▫ Spark Plugs .........................324
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................324
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System ........326
▫ Air Cleaner Filter .....................326
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................326
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............327
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............328
7
the fuel filler cap properly to turn the message off (light
will time out). If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
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 may notbe 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.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
7
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD system is not readyand you should not
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar
parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE