Keep dismounted 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 (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº 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, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may
change suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to steering,
handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress to steer-
ing and suspension components. You could lose
control and have an accident resulting in serious
injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes
with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire overload-
ing and failure. You could lose control and have
an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5
CAUTION!
²Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK positions.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transaxle, it
may be towed at any legal highway speed, for any
distance, if the transaxle is in neutral.
If the ignition key is not available, vehicles with auto-
matic transaxles can not be flat towed at any time.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6
NMaintenance-Free Battery................375
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............377
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............378
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............379
NBody Lubrication.....................379
NWindshield Wiper Blades................380
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............380
NExhaust System......................380
NCooling System.......................381
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......386
NFuel System Connections................387
NBrake System........................387
NAutomatic Transaxle...................390NManual Transaxle.....................393
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................393
mConvertible Top Care....................398
NWashing............................399
NGeneral Cleaning.....................399
NCloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....400
NCloth Top Protection...................400
NWeather Strip Care....................400
mIntegrated Power Module (IPM)............400
mVehicle Storage........................404
mReplacement Bulbs......................405
mBulb Replacement......................406
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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