If you are required to drive with the trunk open, make
sure that all windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the
recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level — 2.7L and 3.5L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
7
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level — 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
information on this system.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Brake Fluid............................ 482
Brake, Parking.......................... 339
Brake System........................... 451
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 341
Fluid Check.......................451,482
Master Cylinder....................... 451
Parking............................. 339
Warning Light........................ 214
Brakes............................... 451
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 321
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 78
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 146
Bulb Replacement.....................467,469
Bulbs, Light..........................81,467
Calibration, Compass..................... 233
Capacities, Fluid........................ 479
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 384Oil (Engine).......................435,436
Power Steering........................ 338
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 448
Car Washes............................ 455
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............79,383
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 387
Cellular Phone........................94,297
Certification Label....................... 387
Chains, Tire............................ 366
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 406
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 431
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 78
Checks, Safety........................... 78
Child Restraint....................68,70,73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............72,73
Child Safety Locks........................ 35
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 380
514 INDEX
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 218
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 221
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 43
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 420
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 404
Jacking............................. 406
Jump Starting......................... 417
Overheating.......................... 405
Towing............................. 421
Emergency Trunk Release................... 43
Emission Control System Maintenance......431,484
Engine..........................427,428,429
Air Cleaner.......................... 437
Block Heater......................... 318
Break-In Recommendations................ 78
Checking Oil Level..................433,434
Compartment...................427,428,429
Coolant (Antifreeze).................445,481Cooling............................. 445
Exhaust Gas Caution..................79,383
Fails to Start.......................... 316
Flooded, Starting...................... 316
Fuel Requirements..................... 379
Jump Starting......................... 417
Multi-Displacement..................... 339
Oil ...........................433,479,481
Oil Change Interval............... 211,227,434
Oil Filler Cap......................435,436
Oil Filter............................ 437
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 436
Oil Selection.......................435,479
Oil Synthetic......................... 436
Overheating.......................... 405
Starting............................. 313
Temperature Gauge..................... 215
Engine Oil Viscosity...................435,436
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 65
INDEX 517
10
Methanol............................. 381
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 228
Mirrors................................ 89
Automatic Dimming..................... 90
Electric Powered....................... 93
Electric Remote........................ 93
Exterior Folding........................ 91
Heated.............................. 93
Outside.............................. 90
Rearview............................. 89
Vanity............................... 94
Mode
Fuel Saver........................... 228
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 369
Mopar Parts.........................432,506
MTBE/ETBE........................... 381
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 339
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 144New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 78
Occupant Restraints....................... 43
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............379,481
Odometer..........................210,216
Trip .............................210,216
Oil Change Indicator.................. 211,227
Oil Change Indicator, Reset.............. 211,227
Oil, Engine.........................433,481
Capacity............................ 479
Change Interval.................. 211,227,434
Checking.........................433,434
Dipstick..........................433,434
Disposal............................ 436
Filter............................437,481
Filter Disposal........................ 436
Identification Logo..................... 435
Materials Added to..................... 436
Recommendation...................435,479
524 INDEX