
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes approximately 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread
is worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as maintaining
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist an authorized service technician in making repairs.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
424 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
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Calibration, Compass..................... 198
Capacities, Fluid........................ 420
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 334
Oil (Engine)..................369,370,371,378
Power Steering........................ 282
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 391
Car Washes............................ 398
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............74,330
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 337
Cellular Phone.......................102,250
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 419
Certification Label....................... 337
Chains, Tire............................ 315
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 354
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 299
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 373
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 73Checks, Safety........................... 73
Child Restraint..................62,63,64,68,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............66,68
Cigar Lighter........................... 167
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 327
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 400
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 385
Climate Control......................... 250
Clock.....................202,205,219,223,232
Coin Holder........................... 170
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 249
Compact Spare Tire...................... 310
Compass.............................. 198
Compass Calibration..................... 198
Compass Variance....................... 199
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 196
Console, Floor.......................... 170
Contract, Service........................ 445
454 INDEX

Headlight Switch...................143,144
Headlights........................... 144
Headlights On Reminder................. 146
Headlights On With Wipers............144,153
High Beam........................... 148
High Beam Indicator.................... 192
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 148
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 143
Intensity Control....................... 150
Interior..........................148,150
License............................. 418
Lights On Reminder.................... 146
Low Fuel............................ 182
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 192
Map Reading......................... 148
Oil Pressure.......................... 183
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 150
Park.............................143,144Passing............................. 148
Rear Tail............................ 416
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 183
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 19
Service.............................. 411
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 182
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........190,317
Traction Control....................... 294
Turn Signal.............76,143,147,189,414,416
Voltage............................. 182
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 181
Loading Vehicle......................337,338
Capacities........................... 338
Tires ............................... 302
Locks................................. 30
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 31
Door................................ 30
Power Door........................... 31
462 INDEX

Low Tire Pressure System.................. 317
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................66,68
Lubrication, Body....................... 384
Lumbar Support........................ 139
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 380
Maintenance, General..................... 376
Maintenance Procedures................... 376
Maintenance Schedule.................... 424
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 192,373
Manual, Service......................... 447
Map/Reading Lights..................... 148
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 394
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 140
Methanol............................. 327
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 196
Mirrors................................ 99
Automatic Dimming..................... 99Electric Powered....................... 100
Electric Remote....................... 100
Heated............................. 101
Outside............................. 100
Vanity.............................. 102
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 317
Mopar Parts.........................375,446
MTBE/ETBE........................... 327
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 143
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 72
Occupant Restraints.................38,53,55,57
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 325
Odometer............................. 184
Trip .............................184,186
Oil Change Indicator................185,196,424
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............185,196
INDEX 463
10

Overdrive........................... 275
Selection of Lubricant................... 422
Transmission.....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink) ........................... 158
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 21
Transporting Pets........................ 72
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 312
Trip Odometer.......................... 184
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 186
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid)....................36,37
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 37
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 36
Turn Signals...................143,147,189,416UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 102
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 178
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 449
Universal Transmitter..................... 158
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 325
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt.............. 44
Upholstery Care........................ 400
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 102
Variance, Compass....................... 199
Vehicle Certification Label................. 337
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading...................302,337,338
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage.......................260,411
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 18
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................... 378
Voice Recognition System (VR).............. 130
470 INDEX