Page 328 of 411

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.
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
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 329 of 411

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.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7
Page 366 of 411

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 condition, 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).
364 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Page 402 of 411

Loading Vehicle
Tires ............................... 275
Locks
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 28
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lubrication, Body....................... 336
Lumbar Support........................ 116
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 333
Maintenance, General..................... 329
Maintenance Procedures................... 329
Maintenance Schedule.................... 364
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 173,327
Manual, Service......................... 387
Manual Transaxle.....................252,346
Downshifting......................... 253
Fluid Level Check...................... 346Frequency of Fluid Change............... 347
Lubricant Selection..................... 346
Map/Reading Lights..................... 126
Methanol............................. 297
Mirrors................................ 77
Automatic Dimming..................... 78
Electric Powered....................... 79
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 77
Vanity............................... 81
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 287
Mopar Parts.........................328,386
MTBE/ETBE........................... 297
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 122
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 35
400 INDEX
Page 407 of 411

Tires ............................72,279,389
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 284
Air Pressure.......................... 279
Chains.............................. 285
General Information.................... 279
High Speed.......................... 281
Inflation Pressures..................... 280
Life of Tires.......................... 284
Load Capacity........................ 275
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 287
Pressure Warning Light.................. 171
Quality Grading....................... 389
Radial.............................. 282
Replacement......................... 284
Rotation............................. 286
Safety...........................270,279
Sizes............................... 272
Snow Tires........................... 286
Spinning............................ 282Tread Wear Indicators................... 283
Towing............................... 303
24-Hour Towing Assistance................ 96
Disabled Vehicle....................... 320
Recreational.......................... 303
Towing Assistance........................ 96
Trailer Towing.......................... 303
Transaxle
Automatic............................ 12
Manual...........................14,252
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink) ........................... 134
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transporting Pets........................ 69
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 283
Trip Odometer.......................... 167
INDEX 405
10