Page 373 of 506

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 371
Page 413 of 506
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 413
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 414
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 415
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 415
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 416
Replacement Parts ..................... 417
Dealer Service ........................ 417
Maintenance Procedures ................. 418 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 419
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 422
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 422
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 423
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 424
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 425
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 426
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 426
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 427
7
Page 417 of 506

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 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 415
Page 423 of 506

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.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information onengine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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
Do not add any supplemental materials, other than leak
detection dyes, to your engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be im-
paired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
Page 457 of 506
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 455
Page 458 of 506
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
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 488 of 506

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 322
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 431
Adding Fuel ........................... 367
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 426
Additives, Fuel ......................... 365
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 422
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 424
Air Conditioning ........................ 280
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 280
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 292
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............424,425
Air Conditioning System .............280,284,424
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 293
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 342
Airbag .............................. 61,71
Airbag Deployment ....................... 72
Airbag Light ..................... 69,75,89,203
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 74
Airbag, Side ........................ 65,68,71Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........66,68,71
Alarm Light ........................... 210
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................242,267
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 322
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 213
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........431,455,456
Capacities .......................... 455
Disposal ........................... 433
Appearance Care ........................ 439
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 97
Automatic Door Locks ................... 31,32
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 284
Automatic Transaxle ................. 12,299,389
Overheating ........................ 389
Automatic Transmission ................304,438
486 INDEX
Page 489 of 506

Fluid and Filter Changes............... 439
Fluid Level Check .................... 438
Fluid Type ......................... 438
Gear Ranges ........................ 307
Special Additives ..................... 438
Autostick ............................. 312
B-Pillar Location ........................ 337
Battery ............................... 423
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Belts, Seat .............................. 89
Beverage Cooler ........................ 192
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 425
Brake Assist System ...................... 325
Brake Fluid ............................ 457
Brake System ........................ 321,435
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 322,325
Master Cylinder ..................... 435
Parking ........................... 319 Warning Light
....................... 204
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 306
Brakes ............................. 321,435
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 86
Bulb Replacement ..................... 449,450
Bulbs, Light .......................... 91,449
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 455
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 455
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 367
Oil (Engine) ................... 413,414,421
Power Steering ...................... 318
Car Washes ............................ 440
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............88,367
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 187
Cargo Area Features ...................... 185
10
INDEX 487