Page 309 of 457
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
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        Page 310 of 457

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 resulting 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
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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 372 of 457

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº 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.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 373 of 457

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into a qualified Dealer-
ship Service center, check first to see if the fuel filler cap
is possibly loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A
loose fuel filler cap message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9
sound 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. 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. Take your vehicle in
to a qualified Dealership Service center.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
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        Page 420 of 457

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles ªOil Change Requiredº will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles ªChange Oilº will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
420 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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        Page 447 of 457

Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Headlight Switch...................... 136
Headlights.....................136,412,413
High Beam Indicator.................... 193
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 136
Interior............................. 136
License............................. 415
Liftgate Ajar.......................... 197
Lights On Reminder.................... 138
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 193
Oil Pressure.......................... 194
Park............................... 413
Reading............................. 168
Rear Servicing........................ 415
Rear Tail............................ 415
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 194
Service........................... 411,412
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 193Side Marker.......................... 415
Traction Control....................... 156
Turn Signal..................136,139,413,415
Voltage............................. 187
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 187
Washer Fluid......................... 197
Load Leveling System.................... 180
Loading Vehicle......................331,333
Capacities........................... 333
Tires ............................... 299
Locks
Door................................ 26
Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................71,74
Lubrication, Body....................... 386
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 178
Maintenance, Airbag...................... 64
INDEX 447
10 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 448 of 457

Maintenance Free Battery.................. 382
Maintenance Procedures................... 376
Maintenance Schedule.................... 420
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 172
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 193,373
Manual, Service......................... 432
Map/Reading Lights..................... 168
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 129
Memory Seat.........................89,129
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 208
Mirrors................................ 86
Automatic Dimming..................... 86
Electric Remote........................ 88
Exterior Folding........................ 87
Heated.............................. 89
Memory............................. 129
Outside.............................. 87
Rearview............................. 86
Vanity............................... 89Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 314
Mopar Parts.........................375,431
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 136
Navigation System....................166,244
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 77
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 325
Odometer............................. 191
Trip ................................ 191
Oil Change Indicator..................192,202
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............192,202
Oil, Engine.........................376,417
Capacity............................ 416
Change Interval..................192,202,377
Checking............................ 376
Disposal............................ 379
448 INDEX 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 452 of 457

Sentry Key Programming................... 17
Service Assistance....................... 428
Service Contract......................... 430
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction
Indicator)............................. 193
Service Manuals........................ 432
Setting the Clock........................ 209
Shoulder Belts........................... 39
Signals, Turn...................139,188,413,415
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 291
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 312
Snow Tires............................ 313
Spare Tire..........................307,354
Spark Plugs............................ 379
Speed Control (Cruise Control).............. 144
Speedometer........................... 188
Starting............................... 275
Automatic Transmission................. 276
Engine Fails to Start.................... 277Starting and Operating.................... 275
Starting Procedures...................... 275
Steering
Linkage............................. 386
Power...........................290,385
Shaft Seal............................ 385
Tilt Column.......................... 143
Wheel Lock........................... 14
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 249
Storage............................175,410
Storage, Vehicle......................268,410
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 410
Sun Roof.............................. 169
Sun Visor Extension....................... 89
Sunglasses Storage....................... 168
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 172
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 50
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 378
452 INDEX