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5. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
158 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫Replacement Tires .................... 277
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 278
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 279
▫ Premium System .................... 279
▫ General Information .................. 282
Fuel Requirements ..................... 282
▫ 6.1L Engine ........................ 282
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 283
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 283
▫ E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 284
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 284
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 285
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 285 ▫
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 286
Adding Fuel ......................... 287
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 287
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 288
Trailer Towing ........................ 289
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 289
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 292
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 293
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 293
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 295
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 298
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 299
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ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or
damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this
vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
after-market cap can cause the “Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the MIL to turn
on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
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WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the MIL to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that cap is properly tight-
ened.
•If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 6.1L .............. 313
Onboard Diagnostic System – OBD II ....... 314
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 314
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 315
Replacement Parts ..................... 317
Dealer Service ........................ 317
Maintenance Procedures ................. 317
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 318 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 321
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 321
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 322
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 322
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 323
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 324
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 324
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 325
▫ Cooling System ..................... 328
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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 loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A “CHECK GASCAP” message
will be displayed in the EVIC. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information. Tighten the
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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gas cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
The message will remain displayed until the vehicle
diagnostic system can retest the fuel system. The test will
perform the next time the vehicle is started, if the vehicle
was keyed off above 40°F (4°C) outside temperature and
the following vehicle start is above 40°F (4°C) outside
temperature. It may be possible to have a message that
will not clear due to the test being disabled due to low
outside temperatures. If the test is performed and the
problem is gone, the message will disappear.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL off. See your authorized dealer for service.EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 21 Gallons79 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-40, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/Antifreeze 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 14.8 Quarts
14 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355