Page 273 of 410

CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and drivability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol gasoline or E85
Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol,
it does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold drivability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
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Page 291 of 410
NOTE:Using the third gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive 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 for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•
Do not 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 289
Page 307 of 410
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 307
Engine Compartment — 2.4L Turbo ........ 308
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 309
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 309
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 309
Replacement Parts ..................... 311
Dealer Service ........................ 311
Maintenance Procedures ................. 312
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 312
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 316
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 316
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 317
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 318
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 319
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 320
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 320
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Page 317 of 410

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4L and 2.4L
Turbo Engines
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber, should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils, provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where they can be safely discarded in your area.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
Page 351 of 410
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 15 Gallons56.7 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter/2.4L Turbo Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter/2.4L Turbo Engines (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 6.5 Quarts
6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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Page 352 of 410
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L Engine) ChampionRE16MC (Gap 0.040 in [1.02 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4L Turbo Engine) Champion RE14MCC5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 358 of 410

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
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Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines
Follow “Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines”, if you
usually operate your vehicle under one or more of the
following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an .
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles
(80 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one
or more of the conditions marked with an †.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.†
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).†
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel.
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