will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.12. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
13. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.
14. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that:
²you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than1¤4full
²you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
²you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90É F
(32É C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in Mopartengine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
DaimlerChrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufac-
turer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified
and meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-
6395. MS-6395 contains additional requirements, devel-
oped during extensive fleet testing, to provide additional
protection to DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines. Use
Mopartor an equivalent oil meeting the specification
MS-6395.
NOTE:Your engine oil filler cap also describes the
correct engine oil to use.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over
and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle, when
safe. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating Ð 2.4L Engine Only (If
Equipped)
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the ªHOTOILº message
flashes, the vehicle speed will be reduced to 53 mph (85
km/h) until the engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:Engine speed is reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) at
the maximum. You may of course, reduce your speed
further if needed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 337
6
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for information on this system.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Dipstick
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer recom-
mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-
6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Ð 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
7
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swell-
ing suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid
when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 96
Automatic Door Locks..................... 31
Automatic Headlights.................... 139
Automatic Oil Change Indicator........179,189,414
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 237
Automatic Transaxle................251,255,384
Adding Fluid...................384,385,412
Filter............................... 386
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 386
Fluid Level Check...................384,385
Interlock System....................256,257
Reset Mode.......................... 261
Selection Of Lubricant................... 412
Shifting............................. 255
Special Additives...................... 386
Autostick............................. 262
Back-Up Lights......................... 404
Ball Joints............................. 372Battery............................... 367
Emergency Starting..................... 344
Gas Caution.......................... 368
Jump Starting......................... 344
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Location..........................345,367
Bearings.............................. 387
Belts, Drive............................ 365
Belts, Seat............................40,75
Beverage Holder Cooled (Cup Holder)......... 164
Beverage Holder Heated (Cup Holder)........ 164
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 372
B-Pillar Location........................ 284
Brake Assist System...................... 275
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 275
Brake Fluid............................ 412
Brake, Parking.......................... 264
Brake System........................267,381
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 268
INDEX 433
10
Oil Synthetic......................... 364
Operation............................ 72
Overheating.......................... 336
Starting............................. 251
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 363
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 58
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 309
Event Data Recorder...................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution................74,311,375
Exhaust System.......................74,374
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 48
Exterior Light Service..................... 401
Exterior Lights........................76,401
Fabric Care.........................389,390
Filler Location Fuel....................176,316Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 365
Air Conditioning....................244,370
Automatic Transaxle.................... 386
Engine Oil........................365,410
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 364
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 336
Turn Signal........................76,142
Flash-To-Pass........................... 143
Flat Tire Changing....................... 338
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 344
Flexible Fuel Vehicles..................... 312
Cruising Range........................ 315
Engine Oil........................... 314
Fuel Requirements..................312,313
Maintenance.......................312,315
Replacement Parts..................... 315
Starting............................. 315
438 INDEX