Page 84 of 471

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.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to feel
the air directed against the windshield. See your autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 373 of 471

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 371
Page 452 of 471

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 145
Bulb Replacement ..................... 407,408
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,407
Calibration, Compass ..................... 200
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 413
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 334
Oil (Engine) ........................ 372
Power Steering ...................... 284
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 386
Car Washes ............................ 394
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,333
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 335
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,241
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 412
Certification Label ....................... 336
Chains, Tire ............................ 317
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 302 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 368
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 80
Checks, Safety ........................... 80
Child Restraint .................... 70,72,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,75
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 329
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 396
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 379
Clock ............................. 208,217
Cold Weather Operation ................... 261
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 241
Compass .............................. 200
Compass Calibration ..................... 200
Compass Variance ....................... 201
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 193
450 INDEX
Page 454 of 471

Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 360
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 387
Engine Oil ......................... 373
Door Locks ............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 154
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 279
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 281
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 91
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 165
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 291
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) .... 402
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 150
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 295
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 179Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
.... 188
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 357
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 342
Jump Starting ....................... 353
Overheating ........................ 342
Towing ............................ 360
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 368
Engine ............................... 366
Air Cleaner ......................... 373
Block Heater ........................ 263
Break-In Recommendations .............. 79
Checking Oil Level ................... 371
Compartment ....................... 366
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 384,414
Cooling ........................... 383
Exhaust Gas Caution ................81,333
452 INDEX
Page 461 of 471

Manual Transmission...............263,391,393
Fluid Level Check ................. 391,393
Shift Speeds ........................ 265
Manual, Service ......................... 443
Map/Reading Lights .................. 144,153
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 389
Methanol ............................. 330
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 193
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 ............... 321
Mopar Parts ......................... 369,442MTBE/ETBE
........................... 330
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 142
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 79
Occupant Restraints ................... 42,62,66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........59,60,62,65
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............329,414
Odometer ............................. 178
Trip .............................. 178
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 192
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 192
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 373
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 373
Oil, Engine ......................... 371,414
Capacity ........................... 413
Change Interval ..................... 371
Checking .......................... 371
Dipstick ........................... 371
10
INDEX 459