FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using
high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended, as it will not
provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these engines.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle. Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
• change the engine oil and oil filter
• disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal
and California reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to contain
effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents
or other additives is not needed under normal conditions
and they would result in additional cost. Therefore, you
should not have to add anything to the fuel.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 371
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate ser-
vice. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentrations
of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such
fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
372 STARTING AND OPERATING
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•
you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
• you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
• Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM D5798). With
non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may experience
hard starting and rough idle following start up even if
the above recommendations are followed, especially
when the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]).
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission We recommend youONLYuse MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission
Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or performance
of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 and SAE J1703. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR®
ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Filler Door (Gas Cap)....................210
Gasoline ............................. .369
Gauge .............................. .210
Light ................................211
Materials Added ....................... .371
Methanol ............................ .370
Octane Rating ......................... .369
Requirements ......................... .369
Tank Capacity ......................... .471
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .373
Fueling ............................... .377
Fuel System Caution ...................... .378
Fuses ................................. .460
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................377
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .369
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................369 Gauges
Coolant Temperature .....................210
Fuel ................................ .210
Odometer ............................ .214
Tachometer ........................... .214
Gear Ranges ............................ .304
Gear Select Lever Override ..................416
General Information ........................18
Glass Cleaning .......................... .458
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................380
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................380
GVWR ................................ .380
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect®) ...............111
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ .321
502 INDEX
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