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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the odometer/trip odometer RESET
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label attached to
the driver’s door B-Pillar.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month, Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
5
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle, for
all loading conditions.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 391
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 392
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 393
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 393
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 394
Replacement Parts ..................... 395
Dealer Service ........................ 395
Maintenance Procedures ................. 396 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 397
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 400
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 400
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 401
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 402
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 403
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 404
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 404
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 405
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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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
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 your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though 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 MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter 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 dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclicking 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
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Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
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 states the recommended engine oil viscosity
grade for your engine.
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
information.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 13.6 Gallons51.5 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.26 Liters
Cooling System *
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/Antifreeze 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.2 Quarts
6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil 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 Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs ZFR5F-11 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 467 of 484

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 311
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 409
Adding Fuel ........................... 353
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 404
Additives, Fuel ......................... 351
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 400
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 402
Air Conditioning ........................ 276
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 276
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............402,403
Air Conditioning System .............276,280,402
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 331
Airbag .............................. 57,68
Airbag Deployment ....................... 69
Airbag Light ..................... 66,71,87,194
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 70
Airbag, Side ...................... 60,64,67,68Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........61,64,68
Alarm Light ........................... 201
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................259,269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........408,433,434
Capacities ........................... 433
Disposal ............................ 411
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 311
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 204
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 417
Assistance Towing ....................... 113
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 95
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 280
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,293,298,373,416
Fluid Level Check ..................... 416
Interlock System ....................... 300
466 INDEX