
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in
Section 7 of this manual for filter replacement instruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire, which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the ªSTARTº position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the ªLOCKº position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below220ÉF or229ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel below the center air outlets.
To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. Push the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should notbe used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning Flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is OFF.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-
ers may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Hazard Flasher Switch
248 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

²Do not operate the electric air pump for more than
eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump may
be used again once it has cooled down.
²Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle (5) once every four
years to assure optimum operation of the system.
²If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire and wheel
components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has dried,
it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
²Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the tire has
been inspected.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the
hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on.
You can be hurt by the fan.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot
be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a
discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a
start from another vehicle. This type of start can be danger-
ous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don't lean
over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to
touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush
contaminated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
²Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source
with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
²The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not
be disconnected and should only be replaced with a battery
of the same type (vented).
254 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to ªElectronic
Stability Program,º or ªTraction Controlº in this manual.
CAUTION!
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
²Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 257
6

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Door Locks............................ 20
Door Locks, Automatic................... 22
Door Opener, Garage.................... 104
Drive Belts............................ 270
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 202
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 166
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 64
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 112
Electronic Brake Control System............ 208
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 100
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 209
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 124
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 132
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 257
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 248
Jump Starting........................ 254
Overheating......................... 248
Towing............................. 258
Emission Control System Maintenance....265,308
Engine............................... 263Air Cleaner.......................... 271
Block Heater......................... 192
Break-In Recommendations............... 54
Checking Oil Level.................... 267
Compartment........................ 263
Coolant (Antifreeze)................278,305
Cooling............................ 278
Exhaust Gas Caution................55,240
Fails to Start......................... 191
Flooded, Starting..................... 191
Fuel Requirements.................237,304
Oil ..........................267,304,305
Oil Change Interval................... 268
Oil Filler Cap........................ 269
Oil Selection......................269,304
Overheating......................... 248
Temperature Gauge................... 125
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 44
Ethanol.............................. 238
Event Data Recorder..................... 45
Exhaust Gas Caution.............55,56,240,278
Exhaust System......................55,278
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 63
INDEX 339
10

Automatic Dimming.................... 62
Electric Remote....................... 64
Exterior Folding....................... 63
Heated.............................. 64
Outside............................. 63
Rearview............................ 62
Vanity.............................. 64
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 230
Mopar Parts........................266,330
MTBE/ETBE.......................... 238
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 93
Navigation Radio....................... 162
Navigation System...................... 162
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 54
Occupant Restraints...................... 29
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 237
Odometer............................ 124
Trip ............................... 124
Oil, Engine.........................267,305
Capacity............................ 304Change Interval...................... 268
Checking........................... 267
Dipstick............................ 267
Disposal............................ 270
Filter...........................270,305
Filter Disposal....................... 270
Materials Added to.................... 269
Recommendation..................269,304
Viscosity.........................269,304
Onboard Diagnostic System............264,265
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ......... 104
Operating Precautions................... 264
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 63
Overhead Console...................... 103
Overheating, Engine..................... 248
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual)......... 331
Panic Alarm........................... 18
Parking Brake......................... 203
Parking On Hill........................ 203
Passing Light........................... 93
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 99
Personal Settings....................... 140
344 INDEX