
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon various
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 425

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
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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 maynotbe 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 473

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).NOTE:•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•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 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
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
8
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S522 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Certification Label....................... 443
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 410
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 473
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 95
Checks, Safety........................... 95
Child Restraint.................... 82,83,87,90
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 86,87
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 436
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 502
Climate Control......................... 361
Clock .............................327,336
Cold Weather Operation................... 379
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 360
Compact Spare Tire...................... 422
Compass.............................. 314
Compass Calibration..................... 316Compass Variance....................... 315
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 311
Connector
UCI .............................. 350
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 350
Conserving Fuel........................ 309
Console, Overhead....................... 240
Contract, Service........................ 541
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 492
Cooling System......................... 489
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 491
Coolant Capacity..................... 517
Coolant Level....................489,493
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 492
Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 490
Inspection.......................... 493
Points to Remember.................. 493
Pressure Cap........................ 492
Radiator Cap....................... 492
550 INDEX

LightBulbs ............................. 99
Lights.............................. 99,179
Airbag...................... 75,80,97,284
Anti-Lock.......................... 291
Automatic Headlights................. 180
Back-Up........................... 514
Brake Assist Warning.................. 407
Brake Warning...................... 289
Bulb Replacement.................... 512
Cargo ............................. 269
Center Mounted Stop.................. 516
Daytime Running.................... 182
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............. 179
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 407
Exterior............................ 99
Fog ............................286,513
Fuses............................. 504
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 460
Headlights......................... 512Headlights On With Wipers............. 180
High Beam Indicator.................. 286
Hill Descent Control Indicator........... 286
Illuminated Entry..................... 21
Low Fuel.......................... 304
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 284
Map Reading....................... 186
Reading........................186,240
Rear Servicing....................... 514
Rear Tail........................... 514
Seat Belt Reminder................... 289
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 292
Service............................ 512
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction
Indicator).......................... 284
Side Marker........................ 514
SmartBeams........................ 181
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)......... 287
Tow/Haul Indicator.................. 286
556 INDEX

Traction Control..................... 407
Turn Signal................. 99,179,513,514
VanityMirror ....................... 110
Loading Vehicle......................... 443
Tires .............................. 414
Locks................................. 31
Automatic Door...................... 33
Child Protection...................... 33
Door.............................. 31
Power Door......................... 32
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 86,87
Lubrication, Body....................... 482
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 480
Maintenance Procedures................... 475
Maintenance Schedule.................... 522
Maintenance Schedules.................... 522
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 284,473Manual, Service......................... 543
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 173
Memory Seat........................... 173
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 173
Methanol............................. 436
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 311
Mirrors ............................... 108
Automatic Dimming.................. 108
Electric Powered..................... 109
Electric Remote...................... 109
ExteriorFolding ..................... 109
Heated............................ 110
Outside........................... 109
Vanity ............................ 110
Mode
Fuel Saver......................... 309
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 428
Mopar Parts.........................474,542
10
INDEX 557

Maintenance........................ 504
Pretensioners........................ 60
Reminder.......................... 289
Shoulder Belt Anchorage................ 57
Untwisting Procedure.................. 56
Seats................................. 155
Adjustment......................... 160
Cleaning........................... 503
Easy Entry......................... 176
Memory........................... 173
Power..........................156,158
Rear Folding........................ 170
Reclining .......................... 161
Security Against Theft..................... 18
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 18,292
Selec-Terrain........................... 392
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 490
Selection of Oil......................... 477
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 16Sentry Key Programming................... 18
Sentry Key Replacement................... 17
Service Assistance....................... 539
Service Contract......................... 541
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 284
Service Manuals........................ 543
SettingtheClock .....................327,336
Settings, Personal........................ 317
Shift Lever Override...................... 467
Shifting ............................... 380
Automatic Transmission................ 380
Shoulder Belts........................... 51
Side Airbag............................. 76
Signals, Turn................... 99,286,513,514
SmartBeams........................... 181
Sound System
Kicker............................ 357
Spare Tire..........................422,423
10
INDEX 561