WARNING! (Continued)
•The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in a collision. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint system.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats
and use seat belts.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in
personal injury, follow these guidelines for loading
your vehicle:Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put heavier
objects as low and as far forward as possible. Place as
much cargo as possible in front of the rear axle. Too much
weight or improperly placed weight over or behind the
rear axle can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a dan-
gerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 211
8. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will
flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
9. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light will come on and remain on when the ignition
switch is turned from the OFF to the ON/RUN position,
and the light will turn off after the engine is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine.DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
10. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the
gauge approachesH, this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
passH, and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool or the 4 minutes duration is
expired, whichever come first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A
child could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
Normal Starting
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine does not require pumping or pressing the accel-
erator pedal.
Tip Start
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive
(+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use MOPARTotal Clean or
equivalent, a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do
not remove the belts from the vehicle to wash them. Dry
with a soft cloth.Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning Center Console Cupholders
Removal
Grab the rubber portion of the cupholder and lift up-
ward.
Cleaning
Soak the rubber cupholder liner in a mixture of medium
hot tap water and one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap.
Let soak for approximately one hour. After one hour pull
the liner from the water and dip it back into the water
about six times. This will loosen any remaining debris.
Rinse the liner thoroughly under warm running water.
Shake the excess water from the liner and dry the outer
surfaces with a clean soft cloth.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
Automatic Transmission....................305
Adding Fluid.........................451
Fluid and Filter Changes.................453
Fluid Level Check......................451
Fluid Type...........................449
Gear Ranges..........................308
Special Additives.......................450
Autostick...............................322
Auto Unlock, Doors........................33
Battery.................................433
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........26
Location.............................433
Belts, Seat...............................43
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................437
B-Pillar Location..........................345
Brake Assist System.......................335
Brake, Parking...........................328
Brake System............................447Anti-Lock (ABS).......................331
Fluid Check...........................447
Master Cylinder........................447
Parking..............................328
Warning Light.........................223
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................307
Bulb Replacement.........................469
Bulbs, Light..............................95
Calibration, Compass......................242
Capacities, Fluid..........................475
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................379
Oil (Engine)..........................423
Power Steering........................327
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...............444
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................91
Car Washes.............................454
Cellular Phone...........................129
10
INDEX 499
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............336
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......236
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking..............................400
Jump Starting.........................410
Towing..............................417
Emission Control System Maintenance..........426
Engine.................................423
Air Cleaner...........................432
Block Heater..........................304
Break-In Recommendations................90
Checking Oil Level.....................429
Compartment.........................424
Compartment Identification...............424
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................442
Cooling..............................441
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................91
Fuel Requirements......................370
Jump Starting.........................410Oil .................................429
Oil Change Interval.....................227
Oil Filler Cap.........................423
Oil Selection..........................430
Oil Synthetic..........................431
Overheating..........................398
Starting..............................303
Temperature Gauge.....................220
Engine Oil Viscosity.......................431
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................431
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............64
Entry System, Illuminated....................21
Ethanol................................371
Event Data Recorder........................68
Exhaust Gas Caution........................91
Exhaust System...........................91
Extender, Seat Belt.........................56
Exterior Lights............................95
502 INDEX
Jack Location............................400
Jack Operation...........................400
Jump Starting............................410
Key-In Reminder..........................15
Keyless Entry System.......................21
Key, Programming.........................17
Key, Replacement..........................16
Keys...................................12
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)....................15
Knee Bolster..............................57
Lane Change and Turn Signals................229
Lane Change Assist........................180
Lap/Shoulder Belts.........................43
Latches.................................95
Hood...............................175
Latch Plate...............................44
Lead Free Gasoline........................370Leaks, Fluid..............................95
Life of Tires.............................358
Light Bulbs..............................95
Lights..................................95
Airbag...............................62
Back-Up.............................473
Battery Saver..........................184
Brake Assist Warning....................338
Brake Warning.........................223
Bulb Replacement......................470
Courtesy/Reading......................183
Daytime Running......................182
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................180
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator. . . .338
Engine Temperature Warning..............222
Exterior..............................95
Fog .................................181
Headlights...........................178
Headlights On With Wipers...............179
506 INDEX