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The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States..................... KR5S120123
Canada ........................ 2671-S120123
FLEXIBLE FUEL— 2.7L ENGINES ONLY (EXCEPT
CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES)
E-85 GENERAL INFORMATION
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. This section only covers those subjects that
are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other
sections of this manual for information on features that
are common between Flexible Fuel and gasoline only
powered vehicles.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the special E-85 fuel filler cap can
operate on E-85.
E-85 Fuel Cap
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Along with the special E-85 fuel filler cap, your vehicle
may display a badge, which also indicates it can operate
on E-85.ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.E-85 Badge
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For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
•you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE: Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM
D5798). With non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel you may
experience hard starting and rough idle following start
up even if the above recommendations are followed,
especially when the ambient temperature is below 32°F
(0°C).
Engine Block Heater (if equipped)
Block heater usage is beneficial for E-85 startability when
the ambient temperature is less than 32°F (0°C).
SELECTION OF ENGINE OIL FOR FLEXIBLE
FUEL VEHICLES (E-85) AND GASOLINE
VEHICLES
FFV vehicles operated on E–85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in Mopar engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
the manufacturer’s engines. Use Mopar or an equivalent
oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
NOTE: Your engine oil filler cap also describes the
correct engine oil to use.
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
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NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door rein-
forcement.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
•A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
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WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
•Failure to follow this warning may result in seri-
ous injury or death.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
off the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System — OBD II” in Section 7.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine Compartment ................418
2.7L Engine Compartment ................419
3.5L Engine Compartment ................420
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........421
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............421
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................422
Replacement Parts ......................423
Authorized Dealer Service ................424
Maintenance Procedures ..................424
▫ Engine Oil ..........................424
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................428
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 428
▫ Spark Plugs .........................429
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................429
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................429
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................431
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............433
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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 engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
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 your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though 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 MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
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