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. Refer to
replacement tires in this section for further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven •
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
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 a 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.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until a clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
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.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
•Disengage the mini-fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
• Or disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Front Courtesy/Reading
Lamp 578/W5W
Center Courtesy/Reading
Lamp 578/W5W
Visor Vanity Lamp A6220
Glove Box Lamp A6220
Shift Indicator Lamp IKLE14140
Rear Compartment
(Trunk) Lamp 579
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized
dealer for replacement.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).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
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
8
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S476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Cellular Phone...........................111
Certification Label ........................ .380
Chains, Tire ............................ .358
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .398
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .337
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .426
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................75
Child Safety Locks .........................35
Cigar Lighter ........................... .197
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .369
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .456
Climate Control ......................... .276
Clock ................................. .240
Cold Weather Operation ....................298
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............275
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .352Compass
.............................. .224
Compass Calibration ...................... .233
Compass Variance ........................ .233
Computer, Trip/Travel ......................21
Connector UCI................................ .267
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........267
Console ............................... .162
Console, Floor .......................... .162
Contract, Service ......................... .488
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........445
Cooling System .......................... .442
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............444
Coolant Capacity ...................... .471
Coolant Level ......................... .443
Disposal of Used Coolant .................446
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................443
Inspection ........................... .446
Points to Remember .....................447
498 INDEX
Engine Temperature Warning...............212
Exterior ............................. .101
Fog ................................ .168
Headlights ........................... .166
Headlights On With Wipers ................176
Headlight Switch ...................... .166
High Beam Indicator .....................224
Illuminated Entry ........................21
Instrument Cluster ..................... .166
Interior ............................. .170
License ............................. .471
Lights On Reminder .....................167
Low Fuel .............................211
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........222
Map Reading ......................... .170
Oil Pressure .......................... .212
Passing ............................. .168
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .212Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)
................19
Service .............................. .466
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ...............219
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............220
Traction Control ....................... .334
Turn Signal .......................... .101
Voltage ...............................211
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......210
Loading Vehicle ......................... .380
Capacities ........................... .381
Tires ............................... .343
Locks ..................................32
Automatic Door .........................34
Auto Unlock ...........................34
Child Protection .........................35
Door .................................32
Power Door ............................33
Low Tire Pressure System ...................360
10
INDEX 505
Lubrication, Body........................ .438
Lumbar Support ......................... .156
Maintenance Free Battery ....................433
Maintenance Procedures ....................428
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .476
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......222
Manual, Service ......................... .490
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .170
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................449
Methanol .............................. .370
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .224
Mirrors ............................... .107
Automatic Dimming .....................107
Electric Powered ....................... .109
Heated ...............................110
Outside ..............................110
Rearview ............................ .107
Vanity ...............................111 Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................360
Mopar Parts ............................ .427
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .370
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................67
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................369
Odometer .............................. .214
Trip ................................ .214
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .216
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................216
Oil, Engine ............................. .429
Capacity ............................ .471
Change Interval ....................... .216
Checking ............................ .429
Dipstick ............................. .429
506 INDEX