Page 139 of 299

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully. See section 6 of
this manual for jump starting instructions.
If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the ENGINE
START button is released. If this occurs, continue crank-
ing up to 15 seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed
all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and
the ENGINE START button once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, the NORMAL STARTING procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
shift lever selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially when parked on an incline.
Your vehicle is equipped with a high torque capacity dual
disc clutch. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to
the floor during each shift. As you release the clutch
pedal, lightly depress the accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
5
Page 181 of 299
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 180
If Your Engine Overheats................ 180
TIREFIT Kit.......................... 181
▫TIREFIT Storage..................... 182
▫TIREFIT Usage Precautions.............. 182▫TIREFIT Kit Components And Operation.... 185
▫Sealing a Tire With TIREFIT............. 186
Jump-Starting Procedures................ 192
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................. 195
Towing A Disabled Vehicle............... 196
6
Page 194 of 299

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fans when-
ever the hood is raised. They can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fans.
•Take care to avoid the accessory drive whenever
the hood is raised. You can be hurt by the moving
components.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12-Volts.
NOTE:The battery is located underneath an access
panel inside the rear compartment on the left side of the
vehicle. A remote battery terminal is located in the engine
compartment for jump-starting.
192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 195 of 299
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in NEU-
TRAL, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
5. Remove the plastic cover from the remote jump-start
positive post(+)in the engine compartment. Refer to the
following illustration for remote jump-starting connec-
tions.6.If you are jump-starting your vehicle,connect one
end of a jumper cable to the positive(+)terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other end of the same cable
to the remote jump-start positive post(+).
Remote Jump-Start Connections
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193
6
Page 196 of 299

7.If you are jump-starting another vehicle,connect one
end of a jumper cable to the remote jump-start positive
post(+). Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive(+)terminal of the discharged battery.
8.If you are jump-starting your vehicle,connect the
other cable to the negativeterminal on the booster
battery. Connect the other end of the same cable to the ear
of the thermostat housing on the engine in your vehicle.
Make sure you have a good contact.
9.If you are jump-starting another vehicle,connect the
other cable to the ear of the thermostat housing on the
engine in your vehicle. Connect the other end of the same
cable to a good ground on the engine in the other vehicle.
Make sure that you have a good contact.WARNING!
•You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
10. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery. Let the engine idle a few minutes.
11. Turn off the Vehicle Security Alarm System.
194 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 201 of 299
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 1997
Page 209 of 299

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPARengine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are
recommended.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
The battery is located underneath an access panel inside
the rear compartment on the left side of the vehicle. A
remote battery terminal is located in the engine compart-
ment for jump-starting.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
7
Page 282 of 299

About Your Brakes....................... 147
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............101,148
Accessory Delay, Power..................13,28
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 218
Adding Fuel........................... 175
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 213
Adjustable Pedals........................ 92
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 206
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 211
Air Conditioning................125,126,128,211
Air Conditioning Controls................. 126
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 130
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............. 211,212
Air Conditioning System.............126,128,211
Air Pressure, Tires....................105,161
Airbag................................ 42
Airbag Deployment.....................46,51
Airbag Light...................46,47,53,61,103
Airbag Maintenance....................... 52Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 54
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 13
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna.............................. 124
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 124
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........217,218,246
Capacities........................... 246
Disposal............................ 220
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 148
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............101,151
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 13
Appearance Care........................ 226
Auto Down Power Windows................ 30
Automatic Door Locks..................... 27
Battery............................109,207
Emergency Starting..................... 192
Jump Starting......................... 192
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
280 INDEX