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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
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
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 or improperly
installed. A GASCAP message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until aclicking
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is
properly tightened. Press the trip odometer reset button
to turn off the message. If the problem persists, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is started.
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 prob-
lem 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 Light)
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.
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:
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 isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
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Oil Pressure......................... 145
Rear Fog............................ 152
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 145
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 25
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 145
Traction Control...................... 119
Turn Signal.................103,105,149,312
Voltage ............................. 145
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 144
Loading Vehicle........................ 254
Tires ............................... 229
Locks
ChildProtection ....................... 18
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 292
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 134
Lumbar Support........................ 95
Maintenance Free Battery................. 289
Maintenance, General.................... 283
Maintenance Procedures.................. 283Maintenance Schedule................... 320
Schedule “A”........................ 332
Schedule “B”........................ 323
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................148,281
Manual, Service........................ 341
Manual Transaxle.................208,215,302
Downshifting........................ 217
Fluid Level Check..................302,303
Frequency of Fluid Change...........302,303
Lubricant Selection.................302,303
Map/Reading Lights.................... 102
Master Cylinder (Brakes)................. 300
Mirrors ............................... 69
Electric Powered....................... 70
Outside ............................. 69
Rearview............................ 69
Vanity .............................. 71
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 241
Mopar Parts........................282,340
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 103
INDEX 353
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Flat Changing........................ 271
General Information................... 233
High Speed......................... 235
Inflation Pressures.................... 234
Jacking............................. 268
LifeofTires ......................... 239
Load Capacity....................229,230
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 241
Quality Grading...................... 342
Radial............................. 236
Replacement......................... 239
Rotation ............................ 247
Safety ...........................225,233
Sizes ............................... 226
Snow Tires.......................... 247
Spare Tire........................... 268
Spinning ............................ 237
TreadWearIndicators .................. 238
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 258
Towing .............................. 255
Disabled Vehicle...................... 275
Guide .............................. 257
Recreational......................... 264Weight ............................. 257
Traction .............................. 224
TrailerTowing ......................... 255
Cooling System Tips................... 263
Hitches............................. 256
Minimum Requirements................ 259
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 258
Wiring............................. 262
TrailerTowingGuide .................... 257
TrailerWeight ......................... 257
Transaxle............................. 210
Automatic ................... 9,208,210,301
Autostick ........................... 214
Manual........................ 10,208,215
Operation........................... 210
Overdrive........................... 213
Selection of Lubricant.................. 301
Transmission
Range Indicator...................... 146
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door
Opener (HomeLink) .................... 112
358 INDEX