Page 305 of 444
After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.
NOTE:If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
•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.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
(Continued)
Tether Cable
304 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 306 of 444

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the MIL to turn on.
•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.
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 Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound 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 MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL off.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver’s door.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
Page 340 of 444
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 341
Engine Compartment — 2.7L ............. 342
Engine Compartment — 3.5L ............. 343
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 344
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 344
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 345
Replacement Parts ..................... 346
Dealer Service ........................ 346
Maintenance Procedures ................. 347
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 348
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 351
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 352
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 352
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 354
▫ A/C Air Filter – If Equipped ............ 355
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 356
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 357
7
Page 345 of 444

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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance 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 aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 351 of 444

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) – 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
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 “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) – 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
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 “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 393 of 444
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.4 Liters
2.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
3.5L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
2.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 9.8 Quarts
9.3 Liters
3.5L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 427 of 444

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 303
Oil (Engine) .................. 341,342,343,350
Power Steering ........................ 253
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 363
Car Washes ............................ 372
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,298
Cargo Area Features ...................... 134
Cargo Compartment ...................... 134
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 134
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 134
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,219
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 391
Chains, Tire ............................ 283
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 323
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 268
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 345
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80Checks, Safety
........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 69,71,75,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 131
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 295
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 373
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 357
Climate Control ......................... 219
Clock .................. 169,171,186,187,190,200
Coin Holder ........................... 135
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 218
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 279
Compass .............................. 163
Compass Calibration ..................... 164
Compass Variance ....................... 165
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,162
Console ............................ 103,135
426 INDEX
Page 429 of 444

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 120
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 250
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 251
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 214
E-85 Fuel ............................. 299
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 138
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 90
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 129
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 117
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 263
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 158
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 323
Jump Starting ......................... 329
Towing ............................. 335 Emergency Trunk Release
.................37,38
Emission Control System Maintenance ......345,396
Engine .......................... 341,342,343
Air Cleaner .......................... 352
Block Heater ......................... 241
Break-In Recommendations ................ 79
Checking Oil Level ..................... 348
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 361,393
Cooling ............................. 361
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 81,298
Fails to Start .......................... 239
Flooded, Starting ...................... 239
Fuel Requirements .................. 294,392
Jump Starting ......................... 329
Oil ........................... 348,392,393
Oil Change Interval ............151,161,349,396
Oil Filler Cap ................ 341,342,343,350
Oil Filter ............................ 351
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 351
428 INDEX