If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW HAUL” feature while operat-
ing the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive 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 “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5
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 Lamp)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 is 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. If you crank or start the engine, you
will have to start this test over.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
3. 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.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot readyyou should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you mayneed to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............188,271
Adding Fuel........................... 314
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 372
Air Conditioner Maintenance............230,375
Air Conditioning........................ 230
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 242
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 234
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............375,377
Air Conditioning System................230,375
AirFilter .....................360,361,362,372
Air Pressure, Tires....................294,303
Airbag............................. 51,194
Airbag Light.......................... 59,73
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 17,188
Alignment and Balance................... 302
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 226
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........382,383,417Disposal............................ 384
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............271,275
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 188
Anti-Theft System..................... 17,188
Appearance Care........................ 393
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
AutomaticDimmingMirror ............... 80,83
Automatic Door Locks..................... 28
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Transaxle.................... 12,254
Automatic Transmission.............251,254,389
Adding Fluid......................... 389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 390
Fluid Level Check...................... 389
FluidType ........................390,419
Gear Ranges.......................... 254
Special Additives...................... 391
Torque Converter...................... 258
AxleFluid ............................. 419
458 INDEX
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 392
BallJoints ............................. 377
Battery.......................360,361,362,374
Charging............................ 353
Emergency Starting..................... 353
Gas Caution.......................... 353
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 132
Belts,Drive ............................ 371
Belts, Seat.............................. 39
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 378
B-Pillar Location........................ 289
Brake Assist System...................... 276
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 275
Brake Fluid............................ 419
Brake System........................271,387
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................271,275
Disc Brakes.......................... 387Fluid Check.......................... 387
Hoses.............................. 388
Master Cylinder....................... 387
Parking............................. 269
Warning Light.....................188,191
Brakes............................... 271
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 254
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 408
Bulbs,Light ............................ 407
Calibration, Compass..................... 158
Capacities, Fluid........................ 417
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 314
Oil (Engine).......................... 369
Power Steering........................ 377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 383
Car Washes............................ 393
INDEX 459
10
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 344
Turn Signal.....................135,185,409
Flat Tire Stowage.....................346,352
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 319
Engine Oil........................... 318
Fuel Requirements..................317,318
Maintenance.......................... 319
Replacement Parts..................... 319
Starting............................. 318
Flooded Engine Starting................... 252
Floor Console.......................172,174
Fluid, Brake.........................387,419
Fluid Capacities......................... 417
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Brake............................... 387
Engine Oil........................... 367Power Steering........................ 377
Transfer Case......................... 391
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 418
Fog Lights..........................135,415
Folding Rear Seat..................... 117,120
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 344
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 284
FrontAxle(Differential) ................... 392
Fuel................................. 310
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 314
Filter ............................... 372
Gauge.............................. 185
Octane Rating......................310,418
Requirements......................310,417
Tank Capacity........................ 417
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 316
INDEX 463
10
Lane Change and Turn Signals.........135,185,409
Lap/Shoulder Belts..................... 39,44
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren) .............................. 65
LifeofTires ............................ 300
Liftgate................................ 34
Lights.............................. 74,130
Airbag............................ 59,194
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 188
Automatic Headlights................... 133
Back-Up............................. 409
Brake Warning........................ 191
Bulb Replacement...................407,408
Center Mounted Stop................... 414
Courtesy/Reading..................... 151
Cruise .............................. 194
Daytime Running...................... 134
Dome.............................. 151Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator...........................191,279
Fog ..........................135,186,415
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Headlights........................... 133
High Beam........................... 137
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 137
Instrument Cluster..................133,185
Interior..........................131,151
License............................. 413
Lights On Reminder.................... 134
Low Fuel.........................185,186
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 192
Park............................... 133
Passing............................. 137
Reading............................. 151
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 186
Service.............................. 407
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 193
466 INDEX