Page 165 of 303

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
SNOW TIRES
There are no snow tires that are compatible with the
wheels on this vehicle.
TIRE STORAGE
Tire storage is addressed in the Michelin Limited Tire
Warranty Booklet.
Specific recommendations on guidelines for long term
tire storage for this vehicle should be requested of the
Michelin Tire Corporation 1-800-433-6838.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
164 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 166 of 303
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Section 8 of this
manual for the recommended tire rotation frequency for
your type of driving. Remember, more frequent rotation is
permissible if desired. Also, correct for anything causing
rapid or unusual wear prior to performing the tire rotation.
Tire Rotation
Rotate the tires ªside-to-sideº as shown in the diagram.
NOTE:Each wheel on your vehicle contains a tire
pressure sensor. The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) learns the location of each sensor though system
programming. Although not required, the manufacturer
recommends reprogramming the TPMS after rotating the
tires so that the system can relearn each sensor 's location.
See your authorized dealer for system reprogramming.
STARTING AND OPERATING 165
5
Page 167 of 303

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
Low Tire Indicator
If tire pressure falls below 20 psi (138 kpa), the Low Tire
Pressure Telltale in the Message Center will illuminate, a
chime will sound, and the words LOW TIRE will flash
slowly in the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel in the
bottom of the speedometer. If tire pressure falls below 14
psi (97 kpa), the Low Tire Pressure Telltale will illumi-
nate, a chime will sound, and the words FLAT TIRE will
flash rapidly in the display. You should obtain immediate
service if the low tire indicator is activated.
NOTE:Each wheel on your vehicle contains a tire
pressure sensor. The TPMS learns the location of each
sensor though system programming. Although not re-
quired, the manufacturer recommends reprogramming
the TPMS after rotating the tires so that the system can
relearn each sensor 's location. See your authorized dealer
for system reprogramming.
CAUTION!
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) has been
optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. The TPMS pressures have been established
for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesir-
able operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
166 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 168 of 303

WARNING!
Do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h) if the LOW Tire
indicator is activated. Vehicle handling and braking
may be reduced. You could have an accident and be
severely or fatally injured.
TPMS Malfunction Warning
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continueupon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly. (See page 101 for more information.)
STARTING AND OPERATING 167
5
Page 180 of 303

²You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle
tires. The kit also comes with two needles for inflating
sport balls, rafts, or like inflatable items. However, use
only the Black Air Pump Hose (6) and make sure the
Mode Select Knob (4) is in the Air Mode when
inflating such items to avoid injecting sealant into
them. The TIREFIT Sealant is only intended to seal
small punctures in the tire tread of a tire on this
vehicle.WARNING!
²Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the vehicle close to
traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being
hit when using the TIREFIT kit.
²Do not use TIREFIT or drive the vehicle under the following
circumstances:
þ If the cut or puncture in the tire tread is approximately 0.24 in. (6
mm) or larger.
þ If the tire has any sidewall damage.
þ If the tire has any damage from driving with extremely low tire
pressure.
þ If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat tire.
þ If the wheel has any damage.
þ If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or the wheel.
²Keep TIREFIT away from open flame or heat source.
²TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have the tire inspected
and repaired or replaced after using TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55
mph (90 km/h) until having the tire repaired or replaced.
²A loose TIREFIT kit thrown forward in a collision or hard stop
could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
TIREFIT kit in the place provided.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 179
6
Page 190 of 303

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 Reverseand First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
6
Page 232 of 303

In the event that you do take this vehicle to a commercial
car wash, move the Heater/Air Conditioning blower
control to the lowest setting. This will prevent the possi-
bility of water entering the system.
CAUTION!
The tires on this vehicle are wider than the guide
tracks on most washes and the low ground clearance
of this vehicle may not be compatible with some car
wash equipment. You could damage your vehicle.
Paint and Trim
Your vehicle is exposed to the corrosive effects of chemi-
cal fallout, salt spray, and road film. To protect not only
the paint and trim, but also exposed mountings and
fixtures, it is important to wash your vehicle often and
thoroughly.After washing, allow all surfaces to drain and dry before
parking the vehicle in a closed garage. Prompt washing
may not thoroughly remove these deposits. Additional
cleaners may be required. When using chemical cleaners
formulated for this purpose, be certain they are safe for
use on urethane painted surfaces.
Use soap and water on dull black window trim. Polish or
cleaners may leave a white residue. If desired, you may
polish your vehicle immediately by using MopartAuto-
mobile Polish or equivalent.
Damage to the Body Finish
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be promptly repaired.
Minor damage can be repaired by using touch-up mate-
rials available at your dealer. More extensive damage
should be corrected in your dealer's paint facility.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
7
Page 239 of 303

VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
²Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than 2 months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
²Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure. (See page 158 for more information.)
²Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
²Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
²Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
²For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
²If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger (1.5
Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge protec-
tion to the battery. However, do not leave the trickle
charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next 3 weeks, perform the
battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE