Page 359 of 466

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
OVERDRIVE range should be selected.
NOTE:Using “O/D OFF” while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D Off
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, select the “O/D OFF” feature when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 376 of 466
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 3.8L ...............378
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............380
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................380
Replacement Parts ......................382
Authorized Dealer Service ................382
Maintenance Procedures ..................383
▫ Engine Oil ..........................383 ▫
Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 386
▫ Spark Plugs .........................386
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................386
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System ........388
▫ Fuel Filter ..........................388
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................389
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................389
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............390
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............391
7
Page 389 of 466

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 425 of 466
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — 2–Door Models 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — 4–Door Models 22.5 Gallons85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.8 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified Engine Oil) 6 Quarts5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.8 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 13 Quarts
12 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 426 of 466
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs (3.8L Engine) RE14PLP5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Oil Filter (3.8L Engine) MOPAROil Filter (P/N 04105409AC)
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7
Page 447 of 466

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............208,309
Adding Fuel ........................... 340
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 198
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 389
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 390
Air Conditioning ..................... 261,264
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 264
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 265
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 391
Air Conditioning System .................. 264
Air Filter .............................. 389
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 322
Airbag ................................ 51
Airbag Deployment ....................... 57
Airbag Light ......................... 60,208
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 59
Airbag, Side ............................ 57
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 328 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 255
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 424
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............105,309
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 208
Appearance Care ........................ 406
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Audio Systems (Radio) .................... 250
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 37
Automatic Transmission ................... 401
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 401
Fluid Level Check ...................... 401
Fluid Type ........................... 401
Gear Ranges .......................... 281
Shifting ............................. 281
Special Additives ...................... 403
Torque Converter ...................... 285
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ....... 116
Auxiliary Power Outlet .................... 116
446 INDEX
Page 451 of 466

Jacking............................. 366
Jump Starting ......................... 371
Tow Hooks .......................... 374
Emission Control System Maintenance ......380,428
Engine ................................ 75
Air Cleaner .......................... 389
Block Heater ......................... 275
Break-In Recommendations ................ 75
Compartment ......................... 378
Compartment Identification ............... 378
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 75,339
Fails to Start .......................... 273
Flooded, Starting ...................... 273
Fuel Requirements .................. 336,424
Jump Starting ......................... 371
Oil .............................. 383,424
Oil Disposal .......................... 385
Oil Filter ............................ 385
Oil Selection .......................... 424 Operation
............................ 75
Overheating .......................... 365
Starting ............................. 271
Temperature Gauge ..................... 209
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 384
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 384
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 59
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Event Data Recorder ...................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 75,339
Exhaust System ......................... 393
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 50
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 407
Fabric Care ......................... 409,411
Fabric Top ............................. 411
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 389
Engine Fuel .......................... 388
450 INDEX
Page 452 of 466

Engine Oil........................... 385
Finish Care ............................ 407
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 364
Turn Signal ..................... 207,421,422
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 273
Fluid Capacities ......................... 424
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 405
Automatic Transmission ................. 401
Engine Oil ........................... 383
Manual Transmission ................... 404
Power Steering ........................ 391
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 425
Fog Light Service ........................ 422
Fog Lights ........................... 99,422
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat .................. 89
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 92
Folding Windshield ...................... 191
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 285 Shifting
............................. 287
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 285
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 364
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 405
Fuel ................................. 336
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 340
Filter ............................... 388
Gasoline ............................ 336
Gauge .............................. 206
Materials Added ....................... 338
Octane Rating ........................ 336
Requirements ......................... 424
Tank Capacity ........................ 424
Fuel System Caution ................... 338,341
Fuses ................................ 413
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............340,380
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 336
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
INDEX 451
10