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 four 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 79
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 2.7L and 3.5L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level atregular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
Fluid Check....................... 399,429
Master Cylinder ....................... 399
Parking ............................. 287
Warning Light ........................ 181
Brakes ............................... 399
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 269
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 139
Bulb Replacement ..................... 417,418
Bulbs, Light .......................... 81,417
Calibration, Compass ..................... 195
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 426
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 330
Oil (Engine) .......................... 382
Power Steering ........................ 286
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 396
Car Washes ............................ 404 Carbon Monoxide Warning
...............78,330
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 333
Cellular Phone ........................ 91,246
Certification Label ....................... 333
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 351
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 298
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 377
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 77
Checks, Safety ........................... 77
Child Restraint .................. 67,68,69,72,74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............71,72
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 327
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 406
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 390
Climate Control ......................... 247
Clock ........................ 202,203,207,216
464 INDEX
Jacking............................. 351
Jump Starting ......................... 362
Overheating .......................... 350
Towing ............................. 367
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance ......377,432
Engine .......................... 373,374,375
Air Cleaner .......................... 384
Block Heater ......................... 265
Break-In Recommendations ................ 77
Checking Oil Level ..................... 380
Compartment ................... 373,374,375
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 394,428
Cooling ............................. 393
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 78,330
Fails to Start .......................... 264
Flooded, Starting ...................... 264
Fuel Requirements ..................... 326
Jump Starting ......................... 362 Multi-Displacement
.................... 287
Oil ........................... 380,426,428
Oil Change Interval ...............180,189,381
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 382
Oil Filter ............................ 383
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 383
Oil Selection ....................... 381,426
Oil Synthetic ......................... 383
Overheating .......................... 350
Temperature Gauge .................... 174
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 382
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 327
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 78,330
Exhaust System ....................... 78,391
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 89
Exterior Lighting ........................ 134
Exterior Lights .......................... 81
10
INDEX 467
Vanity............................... 90
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... 190
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 315
Mopar Parts ......................... 378,456
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 327
Multi-Displacement Engine System ........... 287
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 136
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
Occupant Restraints ................... 41,58,62
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............55,58,61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............326,428
Odometer .......................... 173,178
Trip ............................. 173,178
Oil Change Indicator .................. 180,189
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............180,189Oil, Engine
......................... 380,428
Capacity ............................ 426
Change Interval .................. 180,189,381
Checking ............................ 380
Dipstick ............................. 380
Disposal ............................ 383
Filter ............................ 383,428
Filter Disposal ........................ 383
Identification Logo ..................... 381
Materials Added to ..................... 383
Recommendation ................... 381,426
Synthetic ............................ 383
Viscosity ......................... 382,426
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 383
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 383
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............376,377
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 149
Operating Precautions .................... 376
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
474 INDEX