Page 155 of 466

WARNING!
²Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked
into position, the seat will not provide the proper
stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious in-
jury.
²The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They
could be seriously injured in an accident. Chil-
dren should be seated and using the proper re-
straint system.
²To help protect against personal injury, passen-
gers should not be seated in the rear cargo area.
The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
WARNING!
²The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
3
Page 168 of 466

14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 374 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 126 for more information.)16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
A chime will sound if the driver's seat belt is
unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt Warning
Light will flash or remain on continuously if the driver's
seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check or when
driving. (See page 47 for more information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 126 for more information.)
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 255 of 466

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 win-
dows, 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 and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever. Ac-
cidents can also be caused by pressing the accel-
erator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the
exhaust system, resulting in overheating and ve-
hicle fire, which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
5
Page 359 of 466

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with ESP, refer to9Syn-
chronizing ESP9under9Electronic Stability Program9in
Section 5 of this manual if the ESP/BAS light (in the
instrument cluster) remains on continuously after start-
ing the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
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)
Ð if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) Ð if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to
ªElectronic Stability Programº or ªTraction Control Sys-
temº in this manual.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6
Page 363 of 466
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.7L Engine Compartment................366
m3.5L Engine Compartment................367
m5.7L Engine Compartment Ð Except Daytona &
R/T ................................368
m5.7L Engine Compartment Ð Daytona & R/T . . . 369
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........370
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap..................370
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................371
mReplacement Parts......................372mDealer Service.........................373
mMaintenance Procedures..................373
NEngine Oil..........................374
NEngine Oil Filter......................378
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 378
NSpark Plugs.........................379
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................379
NFuel Filter..........................379
NCatalytic Converter....................380
7
Page 378 of 466

Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.
Inspect belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or
frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of dam-
age, which could result in belt failure. Also, check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components. See your authorized
dealer for service.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 383 of 466
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7
Page 403 of 466

1. Clean with a wet soft rag or micro-fiber towel. A mild
soap solution may be used, but do not use high alcohol
content or abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean
with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use MopartTotal Clean, a mild
soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove the
belts from the vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders
Perform the following steps to clean the center console
cup holders:
²Grab the center of the rubber portion of the cup holder
firmly and lift upward to remove.
²Soak the rubber cup holder liner in a mixture of
medium hot tap water and one teaspoon of mild liquid
dish soap. Let soak for approximately one hour.
²After one hour pull the liner from the water and dip it
back into the water about six times. This will loosen
any remaining debris.
²Rinse the liner thoroughly under warm running water.
Shake the excess water from the liner and dry the
outer surfaces with a clean soft cloth.
²Carefully tuck the front, followed by the rear, then side
edges of the cup holder into the center console.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7