SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
GASOLINE ENGINES
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-
line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
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symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopart04884900AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043º)
Fuel Selection 87 Octane (R + M)/2
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7
Flooded Engine Starting................... 228
Fluid, Brake........................... 362
Fluid Capacities......................... 360
Fluid Leaks............................. 67
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 339
Fluids................................ 361
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 361
Fog Lights....................... 116,169,353
Fold Down Speakers..................... 152
Folding Rear Seat........................ 109
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 109
Four Wheel Drive....................... 238
Systems............................. 238
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 238
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 305
Fuel..............................275,361
Adding............................. 279
Additives............................ 277Capacity............................ 360
Clean Air............................ 276
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 279
Filter............................... 323
Gasoline............................ 275
Gauge.............................. 160
Hoses.............................. 335
Light............................... 161
Octane Rating........................ 275
Requirements......................... 275
System Hoses......................... 335
Tank Capacity........................ 360
Fuel System Caution..................... 280
Fueling............................... 279
Fuses................................ 347
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............279,280,314
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 276
INDEX 387
10
Maintenance, General..................... 317
Maintenance Procedures................... 317
Maintenance Schedule.................... 365
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 168,314
Manual, Service......................... 376
Manual Transaxle..................227,229,339
Downshifting......................... 231
Fluid Level Check...................340,341
Frequency of Fluid Change............340,341
Lubricant Selection...............339,340,341
Map/Reading Lights..................... 113
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 337
Mirrors................................ 73
Electric Powered....................... 74
Outside.............................. 73
Rearview............................. 73
Vanity............................... 76
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 266Mopar Parts.........................316,375
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 114
Navigation Radio........................ 204
Navigation System....................... 204
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 65
Occupant Restraints....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 275
Odometer............................. 167
Trip .............................165,167
Oil Change Indicator..................... 172
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 172
Oil, Engine.........................317,360
Capacity............................ 360
Change Interval....................... 318
Checking............................ 317
Disposal............................ 320
Filter............................... 320
INDEX 391
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