If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2
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 shouldoperate 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.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7
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) ofoil 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.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Brake, Parking.......................... 332
Brake System........................... 440
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 334
Fluid Check.......................441,471
Master Cylinder....................... 441
Parking............................. 332
Warning Light........................ 212
Brakes............................... 440
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 315
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 143
Bulb Replacement.....................456,458
Bulbs, Light..........................78,456
Calibration, Compass..................... 230
Capacities, Fluid........................ 468
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 375
Oil (Engine).......................... 425Power Steering........................ 332
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 445
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,374
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 377
Cellular Phone........................90,293
Certification Label....................... 378
Chains, Tire............................ 358
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 397
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 343
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 421
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint....................65,67,70,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,70
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 371
504 INDEX
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 220
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 411
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 396
Jacking............................. 397
Jump Starting......................... 408
Overheating.......................... 396
Towing............................. 412
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......421,474
Engine..........................417,418,419
Air Cleaner.......................... 427
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................423,424
Compartment...................417,418,419
Coolant (Antifreeze).................435,470
Cooling............................. 435Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,374
Fails to Start.......................... 311
Flooded, Starting...................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 370
Jump Starting......................... 408
Oil ...........................423,468,470
Oil Change Interval...............209,225,424
Oil Filler Cap......................... 425
Oil Filter............................ 426
Oil Filter Disposal..................... 426
Oil Selection.......................425,468
Oil Synthetic......................... 426
Overheating.......................... 396
Starting............................. 309
Temperature Gauge.................... 214
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 425
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 371
INDEX 507
10
Heated.............................. 89
Outside.............................. 86
Rearview............................. 85
Vanity............................... 89
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 361
Mopar Parts.........................422,496
MTBE/ETBE........................... 371
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 140
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............370,470
Odometer..........................208,215
Trip .............................208,215
Oil Change Indicator..................209,225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............209,225
Oil, Engine.........................423,470Capacity............................ 468
Change Interval..................209,225,424
Checking.........................423,424
Dipstick..........................423,424
Disposal............................ 426
Filter............................426,470
Filter Disposal........................ 426
Identification Logo..................... 425
Materials Added to..................... 426
Recommendation...................425,468
Synthetic............................ 426
Viscosity.........................425,468
Oil Filter, Change........................ 426
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 426
Onboard Diagnostic System..............420,421
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 181
Operating Precautions.................... 420
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 86
514 INDEX