Page 344 of 474

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.Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo-
nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all
loose items securely before driving. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes
operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. This
could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
Page 376 of 474
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 377
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 378
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 379
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 380
Replacement Parts ..................... 381
Dealer Service ........................ 382
Maintenance Procedures ................. 382
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 383
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 386
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 386
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 387
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 388
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 389
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 390
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 390
7
Page 380 of 474

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
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
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 379
Page 386 of 474

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
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 filtersfrom your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
Page 422 of 474
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 421
Page 423 of 474
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
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 457 of 474

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 297
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 395
Adding Fuel ........................... 339
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 390
Additives, Fuel ......................... 337
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 386
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 388
Air Conditioning ........................ 260
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 260
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 271
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 272
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............388,389
Air Conditioning System .............260,264,388
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 318
Airbag .............................. 56,66
Airbag Deployment ....................... 67
Airbag Light ................... 57,64,70,82,184
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 69
Airbag, Side ...................... 59,63,65,66Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........60,63,66
Alarm Light ........................... 188
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 253
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........394,421,422
Capacities ........................... 421
Disposal ............................ 396
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 297
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 185
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 403
Assistance Towing ....................... 107
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 89
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,31
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 264
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,277,282,360,400
Fluid Level Check ..................... 401
Interlock System ....................... 283
456 INDEX
Page 458 of 474

Overheating.......................... 360
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 400
Shifting ............................. 284
Special Additives ...................... 401
Autostick ............................. 285
Battery ............................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Belts, Seat .............................. 82
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 389
B-Pillar Location ........................ 313
Brake Assist System ...................... 300
Brake Fluid ............................ 423
Brake, Parking .......................... 293
Brake System ........................ 296,398
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 297,299
Master Cylinder ....................... 399
Parking ............................. 293
Warning Light ........................ 186 Brakes
............................. 296,398
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 283
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 80
Bulb Replacement ..................... 412,413
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,412
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 421
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 421
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 339
Oil (Engine) ....................... 378,385
Power Steering ........................ 293
Car Washes ............................ 404
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,339
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 170
Cargo Area Features ...................... 169
Cargo Compartment Light ............................... 169
Luggage Carrier ....................... 176
10
INDEX 457