Page 38 of 436
Trunk Internal Emergency Release
As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emergency
Release lever is built into the trunk latching mechanism.
In the event of an individual being locked inside the
trunk, the trunk can be simply opened by pulling on the
glow-in-the-dark handle attached to the trunk latching
mechanism.
Trunk Internal Emergency Release
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 83 of 436

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
Page 144 of 436
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Air Outlet6 — Radio11 — Storage Compartment
2 — Side Window Demister Outlet 7 — Passenger Airbag 12 — Climate Control
3 — Instrument Cluster 8 — Glove Compartment13 — Trunk Release Button
4 — Ignition Switch 9 — Heated Seat Switch – If Equipped
5 — Analog Clock 10 — Hazard Switch
144 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 151 of 436

NOTE:If the instrument cluster is equipped with the
optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),
then warnings such as ”Low Tire,” “Door Ajar” and
“Trunk Ajar” will display in the EVIC. (Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in this section
for specific messages).
LoW TirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and TirE for three
cycles.
HOTOIL
When this message is displayed there is a transaxle
over-temperature condition. When this condition occurs,
the “HOTOIL” message will be displayed in the odom-
eter along with a chime. NOTE:
When this message is displayed, bring the
vehicle to a stop and idle the engine in park until the
message clears. Raising the idle of the engine slightly will
help speed up the cooling.
gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change
in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, the words “gASCAP”
will display in the odometer display area. If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn off the “gASCAP” message.
(Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in
Section 7 of this manual for more information). If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. See your authorized dealer service
center as soon as possible.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
Page 161 of 436
Press and release the RESET button to accept a
selection. The RESET button also resets various
Trip Functions.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages.
•Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime
after one mile traveled)
•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Right Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single
chime)
•Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) Battery Low (with a
single chime)
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle Not In PARK
•Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle in Motion
•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
•Trunk Ajar (with a single chime)
•Headlights On
•Key In Ignition
•Oil Change Required (with a single chime)
•ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
RESETButton
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161
Page 295 of 436
WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (2.7L ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by a unique
fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E-85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
Page 318 of 436
NOTE:The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm, level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor
in the trunk.
Spare Tire Stowage
The compact spare tire is stowed under the rear load floor
in the trunk.
318 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 366 of 436

Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPARCar Wash or equiva-
lent, or a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels
completely with clear water.
•If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove.
•Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR
Cleaner Wax or equivalent to remove road film, stains
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such
as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch
metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear
and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE