Page 300 of 436
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.
Tether Cable
300 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 301 of 436

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 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
Page 333 of 436
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 335
Engine Compartment — 2.7L ............. 336
Engine Compartment — 3.5L ............. 337
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 338
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 338
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 339
Replacement Parts ..................... 340
Dealer Service ........................ 341
Maintenance Procedures ................. 341
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 342
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 345
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 346
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 346
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 348
▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped ........... 349
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 350
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 351
7
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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 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
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 344 of 436

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 this section.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 this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 386 of 436
FLUIDS AND 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 (MOPARAntifreeze/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.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 387 of 436

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (2.4L and 2.7L Engines) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler
cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil (3.5L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil, meeting Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L Engine except PZEV*) ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.11 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4L with PZEV*) ZFR5AP (Gap 0.031 in [0.8 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.7L Engine) TE10PMC5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L Engine) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (2.4L and 2.7L Engines) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable – 89 Octane Recommended
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
Page 420 of 436

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 299
Oil (Engine) .................. 335,336,337,344
Power Steering ........................ 251
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 357
Car Washes ............................ 366
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,294
Cargo Area Features ...................... 134
Cargo Compartment ...................... 134
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 134
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 134
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,217
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 385
Chains, Tire ............................ 279
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 318
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 265
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 339
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82Checks, Safety
........................... 82
Child Restraint .................... 70,71,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 131
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 291
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 367
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 351
Climate Control ......................... 217
Clock ..................... 169,172,186,189,198
Coin Holder ........................... 136
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 217
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 275
Compass .............................. 164
Compass Calibration ..................... 165
Compass Variance ....................... 165
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,162
Console ............................ 104,136
420 INDEX