
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 89

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 to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed up engine is shut off.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart (0.9 L) of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493

Bulbs, Light.......................... 91,484
Calibration, Compass ..................... 242
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 487
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 393
Oil (Engine) ........................ 449
Power Steering ...................... 339
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 461
Car Washes ............................ 473
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............88,392
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 395
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 208
Cargo Area Features ...................... 204
Cargo Compartment ...................... 204
Light ............................. 164
Cargo Light ............................ 164
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 204
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 206 Cellular Phone
....................... 103,295
Certification Label ....................... 395
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 423
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 358
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............222,445
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 87
Checks, Safety ........................... 87
Child Restraint .................... 77,78,82,84
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............81,82
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 389
Cleaning Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 455
Climate Control ......................... 295
Clock ........................... 250,269,279
Coin Holder ........................... 203
Cold Weather Operation ................... 314
Command-Trac Operation .................. 321
520 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 462
Engine Oil ......................... 450
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 183
Driving ............................... 333
Off-Pavement ....................... 333
Off-Road .......................... 333
On Hills ........................... 333
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 333
When to Use Low Range ............... 333
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 101
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 198
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 198
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 344
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 344 Brake Assist System
................... 346
Electronic Roll Mitigation ............... 347
Traction Control System ................ 345
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 171
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 352
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 235
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 422
Jacking ............................ 423
Jump Starting ....................... 430
Overheating ........................ 422
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 445
Engine ............................... 443
Air Cleaner ......................... 450
Block Heater ........................ 315
Break-In Recommendations .............. 87
Checking Oil Level ................... 448
Compartment ....................... 443
522 INDEX

Vanity............................ 102
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 378
Mopar Parts ......................... 446,512
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 389
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 158
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 87
Occupant Restraints ....................... 41
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............388,488
Odometer Trip .............................. 229
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 333
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 333
Oil Change Indicator .................. 232,239
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............232,239
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 450 Oil, Engine
......................... 448,488
Capacity ........................... 487
Change Interval ................ 232,239,448
Checking .......................... 448
Dipstick ........................... 448
Disposal ........................... 450
Filter .......................... 450,488
Filter Disposal ....................... 450
Identification Logo ................... 449
Materials Added to ................... 450
Recommendation .................. 449,487
Synthetic .......................... 450
Viscosity ........................ 449,487
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............444,445
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 183
Operating Precautions .................... 444
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 101
Overdrive .......................... 232,319
530 INDEX