
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.
Air Bag 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 81

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
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 144
Bulb Replacement ..................... 395,396
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,395
Calibration, Compass ..................... 196
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 401
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 322
Oil (Engine) ........................ 362
Power Steering ...................... 275
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 374
Car Washes ............................ 382
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............80,322
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 325
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,236
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 400
Certification Label ....................... 325
Chains, Tire ............................ 307 Chart, Tire Sizing
........................ 292
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 358
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80
Checks, Safety ........................... 80
Child Restraint .................. 70,71,72,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 318
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 384
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 367
Clock ............................. 203,212
Cold Weather Operation ................... 254
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 236
Compass .............................. 195
Compass Calibration ..................... 196
Compass Variance ....................... 196
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 189
438 INDEX

Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 348
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 375
Engine Oil ......................... 363
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 152
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 270
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 271
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 91
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 161
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 282
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 390
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 148
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 285
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 175Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 184
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 346
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 331
Jump Starting ....................... 342
Overheating ........................ 331
Towing ............................ 348
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 358
Engine ............................... 356
Air Cleaner ......................... 363
Block Heater ........................ 256
Break-In Recommendations .............. 79
Checking Oil Level ................... 361
Compartment ....................... 356
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 372,402
Cooling ........................... 371
Exhaust Gas Caution ................80,322
440 INDEX

Manual, Service......................... 431
Map/Reading Lights .................. 143,151
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 377
Methanol ............................. 319
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 189
Mirrors ................................ 89
Automatic Dimming ................... 89
Electric Powered ...................... 91
Electric Remote ....................... 91
Exterior Folding ...................... 90
Heated ............................. 91
Outside ............................ 90
Vanity ............................. 92
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 311
Mopar Parts ......................... 359,430
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 319
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 142New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 79
Occupant Restraints ................... 42,62,66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........59,60,62,65
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............318,402
Odometer ............................. 174
Trip .............................. 174
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 188
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 188
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 363
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 363
Oil, Engine ......................... 361,402
Capacity ........................... 401
Change Interval ..................... 361
Checking .......................... 361
Dipstick ........................... 361
Disposal ........................... 363
Filter .......................... 363,402
Filter Disposal ....................... 363
10
INDEX 447