STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 144
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 144
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 146
▫ After Starting ....................... 147
Manual Transmission ................... 147
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ............. 149
▫ Skip Shift Indicator Light ............... 150
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 151
▫ Acceleration ........................ 151 ▫
Traction ........................... 151
Driving Through Water ................. 151
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 152
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 152
Power Steering ....................... 154
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 154
Parking Brake ........................ 155
Brake System ........................ 157
▫ Brake Pad Break-In ................... 157
5
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
As an added precaution when parking the vehicle, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
3. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then remove the
yellow cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
4. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the
deflated tire.
5. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw
the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
6. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and then insert the plug into
the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant into the deflated
tire:
•
Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit. NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shifter in NEUTRAL.
•After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0 –
10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn OFF the TIREFIT
kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the sealant mode position and not air
mode. Press the Power Button (4) to turn ON the TIREFIT
kit.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 197
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the “Maintenance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for further information. See your authorized
dealer for service.
Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the transmission when performing
other underhood services.Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug located on
the left side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
at the bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to
maintain the proper level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
Change Transmission Fluid
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. If contaminated with water, change the
fluid immediately. See your authorized dealer for service.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE: Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S266 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Engine Oil Viscosity................... 215,260
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 215
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 53
Ethanol ............................... 182
Exhaust Gas Caution ............30,64,185,224,225
Exhaust System ....................... 64,224
Express Down Windows ................... 21
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 238
Exterior Lights .......................... 67
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Engine Oil ........................ 216,261
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 216
Finish Care ............................ 238
Flashers Hazard Warning .................... 11 1,190
Turn Signal ...................... 67,91,111
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 91 Flooded Engine Starting
................... 146
Floor Console .......................... 102
Fluid Capacities ......................... 260
Fluid Leaks ............................. 67
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................ 233,262
Capacities ........................... 260
Clutch Fluid .......................... 236
Cooling System ....................... 227
Engine Oil ........................... 214
Manual Transmission ................235,262
Power Steering ..................... 154,262
Fluids ................................ 261
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 261
Fog Lights ......................... 88,90,110
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 190
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 205
Fuel ................................. 181
Adding ............................. 185
300 INDEX
Voltage............................. 118
Loading Vehicle Tires ............................... 167
Locks ................................. 24
Door ................................ 24
Power Door ........................... 26
Low Tire Indicator ....................... 179
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 179
Lubrication, Body ....................... 223
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 217
Maintenance Procedures ................... 213
Maintenance Schedule .................... 264
Light Duty Schedule “B” ................. 267
Schedule “A” ......................... 278
Schedule “B” ......................... 267
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 110,211
Manual, Service ......................... 291 Manual Transmission
..................... 147
Fluid Level Check ................... 235,262
Lubricant Selection ..................... 262
Shift Speeds .......................... 149
Message Center ......................... 109
Methanol ............................. 182
Mirrors ................................ 82
Electric Remote ........................ 84
Outside ............................ 83,84
Rearview ............................. 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 179
Mopar Parts ......................... 212,290
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 182
Multi-Function Control Lever ................ 88
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 63
304 INDEX