Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º 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 ªBº in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for at
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Depress the brake pedal and place the gear selector
momentarily in each gear position ending with the lever
in P (PARK).5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 24 km (15 miles). The fluid cannot be
comfortable held between the finger tips. Warm is when
the fluid is between 85É to 125ÉF (29É to 52ÉC).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
If the fluid is hot, reading should be in the cross hatched
area marked ªHOTº between the upper two holes in the
dipstick.
If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between the
lower two holes, into the area marked ªLOWº.
If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmission
fluid to bring to the proper level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
7
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐNon Turbo Charged En-
gines± No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐTurbo Charged Engines±
No change necessary.Maintenance schedule ªBºÐAll Engines± Every 60,000
miles (100 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:
²Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). ATF is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid.Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16º (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
following conditions exist:
²The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If
contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
²If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance
Schedule ªBº in Section 8 of this manual.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key Removal
Locking Doors With The KeyKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY - IF EQUIPPED Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel
LockAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) - IfEquippedREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (SEDAN) To unlock the doors and liftgateTo lock the doors and liftgate (if
equipped with power options) Using The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockProgramming Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationBattery ReplacementREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (CONVERTIBLE) To Unlock the DoorsTo lock the doorsTo Unlatch the Deck
LidPanic AlarmUsing The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockTo Program Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery ServiceSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To set the alarmTo disarm the systemSecurity System Manual Override
LIFTGATE (SEDAN) DECK LID (CONVERTIBLE) Power Deck Lid Release (Convertible)EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE (SEDAN) EMERGENCY DECK LID RELEASE LATCH (CONVERTIBLE) POWER WINDOWS Auto Down FeatureRear Window SwitchesWind
BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (SEDAN) Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts And Pregnant WomenDriver and Front
Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagChild RestraintOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (CONVERTIBLE) Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ProcedureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts And
Pregnant WomenDriver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagChild RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION To Lower The TopTo Raise The TopConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation-If EquippedConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal and StorageCONVERTIBLE TOP
MANUAL OVERRIDEMIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers SideOutside Mirror-Passengers SideElectric Remote-Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION
(UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Front Seat AdjustmentPower Seat Adjuster - If EquippedManual
Lumbar-If EquippedFolding Front Passenger Seat - If EquippedDrivers Seat Back Tilt-If EquippedPassenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) (Convertible)Adjustable Head RestraintsHeated Seats - If EquippedFolding Rear Seat (Sedan)Folding Rear Seat (Convertible)
Tumbling Rear Seat (Sedan)Tumbling Rear Seat (Convertible)Rear Seat Removal (Sedan)TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading Lights (Sedan)Map/Reading Lights (Convertible)Multi-Function Control LeverHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights-on ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist Feature Windshield Wiper OperationIntermittent
Wiper SystemTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF
EQUIPPED Programming The Universal TransceiverRolling Code ProgrammingCanadian Programming/Gate ProgrammingOperationReprogramming A Single ButtonSecurityPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Express Open FeatureWind BuffetingSunroof Maintenance
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES STORAGE Center Console/Armrest Storage Bin Storage PocketsREAR SHELF PANEL- IF EQUIPPED Position 1 (Top)Position 2 (Middle)Position 3 (Floor)Position 4 (Vertical) Position 5 (table)ROOF LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster Rear Wiper/Washer Switch - If EquippedAdding Washer FluidUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-TURBO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATIONCENTER (EVIC)-If Equipped EVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/Audio
Average Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimePersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)SETTING THE ANALOG CLOCK RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM Reception
FM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating
Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES)
CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode
for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type)
Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Climate ControlsOperating Tips STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING
PROCEDURES Automatic TransaxleManual TransaxleNormal StartingExtremely Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingTurbocharger Cool DownAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Brake/Transmission Interlock
SystemAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemFour Speed Automatic TransaxleReset ModeGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic TransaxleAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick OperationAutostick General InformationMANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION 2.4
Liter Turbo- If Equipped Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If EquippedPOWER STEERINGTRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire
Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement
TiresAlignment And BalanceTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES Tire Rotation Recommendations FUEL REQUIREMENTS 2.4L Standard Engine and 2.4L Standard Turbo Engine2.4L High Output Turbo EngineReformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In Gasoline
Materials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING TRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN
EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY DRIVING
ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTractionFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyCONVERTIBLETOP MANUAL OVERRIDE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.4L TURBO ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENTPARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belts
- Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsIgnition Wiring SystemCatalytic ConverterEngine Timing BeltCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuel FilterAir Cleaner Element (Filter)Maintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront
Suspension Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield Washer ReservoirExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses And Vacuum/VaporHarnessesFuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemAutomatic TransaxleManual TransaxleAppearance Care And
Protection From CorrosionCONVERTIBLE TOP CARE WashingGeneral CleaningCloth Top Additional Cleaning ProcedureCloth Top ProtectionWeather Strip CareINTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT
HeadlightsFront Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker LightsFront Fog Lights - If EquippedTail/Stop, and Rear Turn Signal LightsBack Up Lights Center HighMounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassis
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE B-ALL ENGINESSCHEDULE A-NON TURBOSCHEDULE A-TURBOIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING
SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER
FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX