FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L and 2.7L Engine
All engines are designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using
high quality unleaded “regular” gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as
it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.
3.5L Engine
The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high-quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit
over regular gasoline in these engines. Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world have
issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the
World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel prop-
erties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, engine
performance, and durability for your vehicle. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet the
WWFC specifications if they are available.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold drivability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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.
(Continued)
294 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.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).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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
Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 363,364
Brake ............................ 360,388
Cooling System ....................... 355
Engine Oil ........................... 342
Power Steering ..................... 251,388
Fluids ................................ 387
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 387
Fog Light Service ........................ 380
Fog Lights ....................... 109,154,380
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 103,104
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 328
Fuel ................................. 290
Adding ............................. 299
Additives ............................ 293
Clean Air ............................ 291
Ethanol ............................. 291
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 146,299
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 146 Gasoline
............................ 290
Gauge .............................. 146
Light ............................... 147
Materials Added ....................... 293
Methanol ............................ 291
Octane Rating ...................... 290,387
Requirements ...................... 290,386
Tank Capacity ........................ 386
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 300
Fueling ............................... 299
Fuses ................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 120
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............299,301,338
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 291
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 290
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 291
424 INDEX
Occupant Restraints..................... 61,65
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........39,57,58,61,64
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 290
Odometer ............................. 150
Trip ............................. 150,153
Oil Change Indicator ................ 152,162,390
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............152,162
Oil, Engine ......................... 342,387
Capacity ............................ 386
Change Interval ............... 152,162,343,390
Checking ............................ 342
Dipstick ............................. 342
Disposal ............................ 345
Filter ............................ 345,387
Filter Disposal ........................ 345
Identification Logo ..................... 343
Materials Added to ..................... 345
Recommendation ................... 343,386
Synthetic ............................ 345 Viscosity
......................... 344,386
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 345
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 345
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 148
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............338,339
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 120
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overdrive .......................... 243,244
Overheating, Engine ...................... 316
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,413
Paint Care ............................. 365
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 252
Parking On Hill ......................... 252
Passing Light ........................... 109
Personal Settings ........................ 167
Pets .................................. 81
Phone, Cellular .......................... 93
10
INDEX 429