
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

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
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.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“GAS CAP” message will be displayed in the odometer
(located on the instrument cluster). Replace, or tighten
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
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 tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Caution, Exhaust Gas................... 72,147
CD (Compact Disc) Changer .............189,199
CD (Compact Disc) Player .........185,187,191,194
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 207
Cellular Phone ........................ 83,207
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 361
Chains, Tire ............................ 274
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 302
Charging System Light .................... 175
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 254
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 317
Child Restraint ...................... 61,66,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............65,66
Child Safety Locks ........................ 21
Climate Control ......................... 208
Clock ................................ 183
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System ........217,226
Command-Trac Operation .................. 234
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 207 Compass
.............................. 143
Compass Calibration ..................... 143
Compass Variance ....................... 144
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 141
Console, Overhead ....................... 135
Contract, Service ........................ 396
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 324
Cool Down, Turbo ....................... 220
Cooling System ......................... 332
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 334
Coolant Capacity ...................... 362
Coolant Level ......................... 335
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 335
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 332
Inspection ........................... 332
Points to Remember .................... 336
Pressure Cap ......................... 334
Radiator Cap ......................... 334
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........333,362
404 INDEX

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 174
Map Reading ......................... 116
Oil Pressure .......................... 177
Park ............................... 116
Passing ............................. 117
Reading ............................. 136
Rear Servicing ........................ 360
Rear Tail ............................ 360
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 180
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 179
Sentry Key ........................... 179
Service .............................. 356
Side Marker .......................... 360
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 173
Traction Control .................... 129,182
Transfer Case ...................... 178,179
Transmission Warning ................... 177
Turn Signal .................. 1 17,173,357,360
Wait to Start .......................... 181 Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)
..... 173
Water in Fuel ......................... 180
Loading Vehicle Tires ............................... 257
Locks Automatic Door ........................ 21
Child Protection ........................ 21
Door ................................ 18
Power Door ........................... 20
Steering Wheel ......................... 17
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 65,66
Lubrication, Body ....................... 329
Luggage Carrier ......................... 164
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 164
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 326
Maintenance Procedures ................... 319
Maintenance Schedule .................366,384
INDEX 411
10

Diesel.............................. 384
Light Duty Schedule “A” ..............379,391
Light Duty Schedule “B” ..............369,386
Schedule “A” ...................... 379,391
Schedule “B” ...................... 369,386
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 153
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 174,317
Manual, Service ......................... 398
Manual Transmission .................. 224,342
Fluid Level Check ...................... 342
Lubricant Selection ..................... 342
Shift Speeds .......................... 226
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 136
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 338
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 141
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming ..................... 80
Electric Remote ........................ 81
Heated .............................. 82 Outside
.............................. 80
Rearview ............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 268
Mopar Parts ......................... 318,397
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 116
Navigation System ....................... 199
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 71
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 54
Occupant Restraints ....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 276
Odometer ............................. 176
Trip ................................ 176
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..........249,344
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..........249,344
Oil, Engine ............................ 319
412 INDEX