Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Make sure all trailer and vehicle lights are working
properly — including hazard flashers.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs, select the3range (for a
four-speed automatic) or select a lower gear using the
AutoStick shift control.
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking. If you
REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transmission
fluid level before towing. Six-speed transmissions do not
require a fluid level check before towing. If, however, you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, see
your authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
382 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
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.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
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S462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 279
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,294
Adding Fluid ....................... 457
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 457
Automatic Transmission ................297,435
Adding Fluid .................... 437,438
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 438
Fluid Level Check ................. 437,438
Fluid Type ......................... 436
Gear Ranges ..................... 300,308
Special Additives ..................... 436
Autostick ............................. 315
B-Pillar Location ........................ 337
Battery ............................... 419
Jump Starting ........................ 30
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Location ........................... 419
Belts, Seat .............................. 87 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 423
Brake Assist System ...................... 327
Brake System ........................... 433
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 324
Fluid Check ..................... 433,457
Master Cylinder ..................... 433
Parking ........................... 322
Warning Light ....................... 197
Brake, Parking .......................... 322
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 299
Brakes ............................... 433
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ..................... 449,450
Bulbs, Light .......................... 89,449
Calibration, Compass ..................... 215
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 455
10
INDEX 487
Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 368
Oil (Engine) ..................... 409,417
Power Steering ...................... 321
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 430
Car Washes ............................ 439
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............86,364
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,274
Chains, Tire ............................ 350
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 388
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 333
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 412
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,79,82
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............77,79
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Cigar Lighter ........................... 180 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 361
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 441
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 424
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ........................ 221,224,242,251
Coin Holder ........................... 182
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 345
Compass ........................... 207,214
Compass Calibration ..................... 215
Compass Variance ....................... 215
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,213
Connector UCI .............................. 265
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 265
Console .............................. 147
Console, Floor ....................... 147,182
Contract, Service ........................ 479
488 INDEX
Fluid Capacities......................... 455
Fluid Leaks ............................. 89
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission .............437,438
Brake .......................... 433,457
Cooling System ...................... 428
Engine Oil ......................... 415
Power Steering ................... 321,457
Fluids ................................ 456
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 456
Fog Light Service ........................ 452
Fog Lights ....................... 153,202,452
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 146,147
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 402
Fuel ................................. 360
Adding ........................... 368
Additives .......................... 363
Clean Air .......................... 361
Ethanol ........................... 361 Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
...............194,368
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 194
Gasoline ........................... 360
Gauge ............................ 194
Light ............................. 195
Materials Added ..................... 363
Methanol .......................... 361
Octane Rating .................... 360,456
Requirements .................... 360,455
Tank Capacity ....................... 455
Fuel System Caution ..................... 370
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 365
Fueling ............................... 368
Fuses ................................ 444
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 164
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............368,371,411
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 361
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 361
492 INDEX
Latches................................ 89
Hood ............................. 148
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 360
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 89
Life of Tires ............................ 348
Light Bulbs .......................... 89,449
Lights .............................. 89,149
Airbag .................... 65,66,71,87,195
Back-Up ........................... 453
Brake Assist Warning .................. 331
Brake Warning ...................... 197
Bulb Replacement .................... 450
Daytime Running .................... 153
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 331
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 196
Exterior ............................ 89
Fog ......................... 153,202,452
Headlight Switch ..................... 150
Headlights ......................... 150 Headlights On With Wipers
............. 159
High Beam Indicator .................. 207
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................... 150
Interior ............................ 155
License ............................ 454
Lights On Reminder .................. 154
Low Fuel .......................... 195
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 205
Map Reading ....................... 155
Oil Pressure ........................ 196
Passing ............................ 153
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 195
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 19
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 202
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......204,352
Traction Control ..................... 331
Turn Signal .............. 89,152,202,452,453
Voltage ............................ 195
10
INDEX 495
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 194
Loading Vehicle ...................... 371,373
Capacities .......................... 373
Tires .............................. 337
Locks Auto Unlock ......................... 32
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 34
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 352
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 79
Lubrication, Body ....................... 423
Lumbar Support ........................ 141
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 419
Maintenance Procedures ................... 414
Maintenance Schedule .................... 460
Maintenance, General ..................... 414 Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 205,412
Manual, Service
......................... 481
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 155
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 433
Methanol ............................. 361
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 207,213
Mirrors ................................ 96
Automatic Dimming ................... 96
Electric Powered ...................... 98
Outside ............................ 99
Rearview ........................... 96
Vanity ............................ 100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 352
Mopar Parts ......................... 413,480
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 361
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 84
496 INDEX