WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
9. Turn Signal Indicator Light
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
NOTE:A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mi (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
NOTE:Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible.
152 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Press and hold the COMPASS button for approxi-
mately two seconds.
3. Press the SCROLL button until “Compass Variance”
message and the last variance zone number displays in
the EVIC.
4.
Press and release FUNCTION SELECT button until the
proper variance zone is selected according to the map.
5. Press and release the COMPASS button to exit.
Driver-Selectable Surround Sound (DSS) – If
Equipped
Press and release the MENU button until “Surround
Sound” displays in the EVIC. The EVIC provides infor-
mation on the current surround mode.
•Stereo
•Audio SurroundWhile in the Surround Sound menu, press the FUNC-
TION SELECT button to change surround modes.
System Warnings (Customer Information
Features)
Press and release the MENU button until “SYSTEM
WARNINGS” displays in the EVIC. Then, press the
SCROLL button to display anyone of the following
choices.
•Oil Temperature
Shows the actual oil temperature.
•Oil Pressure
Shows the actual oil pressure.
•Tire Pressure
Shows the actual tire pressure for each tire (EXCLUDING
THE SPARE TIRE).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those
in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always shift
the transmission into PARK, remove the key from the
ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is
removed from the ignition, the transmission shift lever
is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should
never leave unattended children inside a vehicle.
Over-Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the trans-
mission oil temperature. If the transmission exceeds nor-
mal operating temperature, the transmission will change
the way it shifts to help control the condition. This mayresult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in DRIVE position. After the transmis-
sion cools down, it will return to normal operation.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) system that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON
position, and the brake pedal must be depressed.
BTSI Override
There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move
the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical
system malfunction occurs (i.e., dead battery). To access
the override (using a flat-bladed screwdriver), carefully
remove the override cover which is located on the right
of the shift lever gate.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the Fan control to HI. This allows the heater core to act as
a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the warnings
under the Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 281
6
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or
SM/CF, and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-10725.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
engine oil, such as Mobil 1SAE 0W-40 or equivalent.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 0W-40 engine oil is preferred for use in 6.1L engines
within the operating temperatures shown in the engine
oil viscosity chart. SAE 5W-40 engine oil is also allowed
for use in 6.1L engines. The proper SAE viscosity grade of
engine oil should be selected based on the following
recommendation and be within the operating tempera-
ture shown in the engine oil viscosity chart.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 the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 l) of washer
fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Care should be taken with installing quick connect
fittings to ensure they are properly installed and fully
connected. See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedule in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Break-In Recommendations................ 67
Checking Oil Level ..................... 301
Compartment ......................... 296
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 314,342
Cooling ............................. 314
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 68,273
Fails to Start .......................... 218
Flooded, Starting ...................... 218
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
Jump Starting ......................... 286
Oil ........................... 301,341,342
Oil Change Interval .................... 301
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 302
Oil Filter ............................ 303
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 303
Oil Selection ....................... 302,341
Overheating .......................... 280
Starting ............................. 214
Temperature Gauge ..................... 151 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 302
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 54
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 271
Event Data Recorder ...................... 56
Exhaust Gas Caution ................68,273,313
Exhaust System ....................... 68,313
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 76
Exterior Lighting ........................ 116
Exterior Lights .......................... 70
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 274
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 304
Air Conditioning .................... 208,310
Engine Fuel .......................... 304
Engine Oil ........................ 303,342
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 303
INDEX 367
10