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 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
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5
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
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. 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 problem 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 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7
Headlights On Reminder................. 153
High Beam Indicator .................... 217
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 156
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Interior .......................... 151,152
License ............................. 461
Liftgate Ajar .......................... 212
Lights On Reminder .................... 153
Low Fuel ............................ 212
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 218
Oil Pressure .......................... 217
Park ............................. 151,458
Passing ............................. 156
Reading ............................. 168
Rear Servicing ........................ 459
Rear Tail ............................ 459
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 215
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 216
Service ........................... 455,456 Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 218
Side Marker
.......................... 459
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .............. 216
Turn Signal ..................... 155,458,459
Voltage ............................. 215
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 211
Washer Fluid ......................... 217
Load Leveling System .................... 201
Loading Vehicle ................... 198,363,366
Capacities ........................... 366
Tires ............................... 332
Locks Door ................................ 27
Steering Wheel ......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 79
Lubrication, Body ....................... 431
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 199
Lumbar Support ........................ 128
INDEX 505
10
Maintenance, Airbag...................... 71
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 427
Maintenance Procedures ................... 419
Maintenance Schedule .................... 466
Light Duty Schedule “B” ................. 469
Schedule “A” ......................... 478
Schedule “B” ......................... 469
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 185
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 218,417
Manual, Service ......................... 490
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 168
Memory Seat ........................... 99
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 171
Mirrors ................................ 96
Automatic Dimming ..................... 96
Electric Remote ........................ 98
Exterior Folding ........................ 98
Heated .............................. 99
Outside .............................. 97 Rearview
............................. 96
Vanity ............................... 99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 347
Mopar Parts ......................... 418,489
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 155
Navigation Radio ........................ 257
Navigation System ....................... 257
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 88
Occupant Restraints ....................... 46
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 353
Odometer ............................. 219
Oil, Engine ......................... 420,462
Capacity ............................ 461
Change Interval ....................... 421
Checking ............................ 420
Disposal ............................ 423
506 INDEX
Integrated, Child....................... 74
Lumbar Support ....................... 128
Power .............................. 124
Reclining ......................... 127,129
Removal ....................... 138,141,143
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) ................ 129
Tilting .............................. 137
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 18
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........435,462
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Service Assistance ....................... 486
Service Contract ......................... 488
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction
Indicator) ............................. 218
Service Manuals ........................ 490
Setting the Clock ..................... 220,258
Shoulder Belts ........................... 47
Signals, Turn ................... 155,212,458,459 Sliding Door
............................ 34
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 326
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 345
Snow Tires ............................ 346
Spare Tire ..................... 340,341,389,400
Spark Plugs ............................ 424
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 164
Speedometer ........................... 213
Starting ............................... 311
Automatic Transmission ................. 312
Engine Fails to Start .................... 313
Starting and Operating .................... 311
Starting Procedures ...................... 311
Steering Column Controls ...................... 155
Linkage ............................. 431
Power ........................... 325,430
Shaft Seal ............................ 431
Tilt Column .......................... 158
510 INDEX
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry) ........................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 177
Transmitter Programming (Remote
Keyless Entry) ........................... 23
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20
Transporting Pets ........................ 83
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 342
Trip Odometer .......................... 219
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 220
Turn Signals ................... 155,212,458,459
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 100
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 491
Universal Joints ......................... 431
Universal Transmitter ..................... 177
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 353
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt .............. 53 Vanity Mirrors
........................... 99
Variance, Compass ....................... 170
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 364
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Information Center ................. 172
Vehicle Loading ................... 333,363,366
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 300,455
Video Entertainment System (Rear Seat
Video System) .......................... 259
Warning Flasher, Hazard .................. 384
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . 211
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 489
Washer, Adding Fluid .................. 303,432
Washer, Rear ........................ 302,303
Washing Vehicle ......................... 447
Wheel Alignment and Balance ............... 344
INDEX 513
10