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 — 2.4L Engine Only (If
Equipped)
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE:The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
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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
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter 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 possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the Trip Odometer
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
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EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emission control
system. These, and all other maintenance services in-
cluded 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 should also be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that 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 “Oil Change Required” 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 “Change Oil” 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 mi (805 km).
434 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil if
it has been six months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after
completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil
change is performed by someone other than your dealer,
the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Oil Change Required” under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this manual or
under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “Instrument
Cluster Descriptions” in Section 3 of this manual.
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 SAFE 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, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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Fuel System Caution..................... 333
Fueling ............................... 332
Fuses................................ 412
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............332,334,377
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 324
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 323
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 324
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 172
Fuel................................ 172
Odometer........................... 174
Tachometer.......................... 174
Gearshift.............................. 273
General Information................. 18,116,322
General Maintenance..................... 380
Glass Cleaning.......................... 410
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............336,339Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............336,338
GVWR ............................... 336
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™)........ 89,225,227
Hard Drive (HDD)....................222,225
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 292
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 353
Head Restraints......................... 125
Headlights............................ 418
Bulb Replacement...................... 418
Cleaning............................ 410
High Beam........................136,182
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 136
On With Wipers....................... 139
Passing............................. 134
Replacing............................ 418
Switch .............................. 132
INDEX 459
10
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 314
Mopar Parts.........................379,446
MP3 Player.........................222,225
MTBE/ETBE........................... 324
Navigation Radio........................ 225
Navigation System....................... 225
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 78
Occupant Restraints..................... 59,62
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)......... 40,54,55,59,61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 323
Odometer............................. 174
Trip .............................174,176
Oil Change Indicator................175,185,434
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............175,185
Oil, Engine.........................380,430
Capacity............................ 429
Change Interval...............175,185,382,434Checking............................ 380
Dipstick............................. 380
Disposal............................ 384
Filter ............................384,430
Filter Disposal........................ 384
Identification Logo..................... 382
Materials Added to..................... 384
Recommendation...................382,429
Synthetic............................ 383
Viscosity..........................383,429
Oil Filter, Change........................ 384
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 384
Oil Pressure Light....................... 173
Onboard Diagnostic System..............377,378
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 144
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Overdrive............................. 274
Overheating, Engine...................... 353
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,447
INDEX 463
10
Guide .............................. 341
Recreational.......................349,369
Weight .............................. 341
Towing Assistance....................... 102
Traction.............................. 292
TrailerTowing .......................... 338
Cooling System Tips.................... 349
Hitches............................. 340
Minimum Requirements................. 343
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 342
Wiring .............................. 346
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 341
TrailerWeight .......................... 341
Transaxle............................. 270
Additives............................ 405
Automatic.................... 13,264,270,403
Autostick............................ 275
Filter ............................... 405
Maintenance.......................... 403Operation........................... 270
Overdrive........................... 274
Selection of Lubricant................... 432
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 174
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 144
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transporting Pets........................ 77
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 309
Trip Odometer.......................... 174
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 176
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid)...................... 38
Trunk Release, Emergency................ 39,40
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 38
Turn Signals......................135,179,424
INDEX 469
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Additives............................ 326
CleanAir ............................ 324
Ethanol............................. 324
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................172,332
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 172
Gasoline............................ 323
Gauge.............................. 172
Hoses.............................. 400
Light ............................... 173
Materials Added....................... 326
Methanol............................ 324
Octane Rating......................323,430
Requirements......................323,429
Tank Capacity........................ 429
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 333
Fueling ............................... 332
Fuses................................ 412Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............332,334,377
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 324
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 323
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 324
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 172
Fuel................................ 172
Odometer........................... 174
Tachometer.......................... 174
Gearshift.............................. 273
General Information................. 18,116,322
General Maintenance..................... 380
Glass Cleaning.......................... 410
GrossAxleWeightRating ...............336,339
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............336,338
GVWR ............................... 336
478 INDEX