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 authorized 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level – 3.6L Engine
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 to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
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 to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 501
Capacities, Fluid......................... .547
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .503
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................517
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................96
Cargo Area Features ...................... .291
Cargo Compartment ...................... .291
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................452
Car Washes ............................ .526
Cellular Phone .......................... .346
Certification Label ........................ .453
Chains, Tire ............................ .428
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .471
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .410
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .305
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............95
Checks, Safety ............................95
Child Restraint ............................72
Child Safety Locks .........................32 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... .442
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .527
Climate Control ......................... .347
Clock ................................. .342
Coin Holder ............................ .286
Cold Weather Operation ....................367
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............346
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .423
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .324
Connector UCI................................ .343
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........343
Conserving Fuel ......................... .321
Console, Floor .......................... .286
Contract, Service ......................... .563
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........517
Cooling System .......................... .514
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............516
572 INDEX
Electrical Power Outlets.....................278
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................292
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................111
Electronic Brake Control System ...............401
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................401
Brake Assist System .....................402
Traction Control System ...................401
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......530
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........219
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............402
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......257
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................43
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................485
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................470
Jacking .............................. .471
Jump Starting ......................... .481
Overheating .......................... .470
Towing ............................. .490Emergency Trunk Release
....................43
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........497
Engine ................................ .496
Air Cleaner .......................... .504
Block Heater ......................... .368
Break-In Recommendations .................94
Checking Oil Level ..................... .501
Compartment ......................... .495
Compartment Identification ................495
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................514
Cooling ............................. .514
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................96
Fails to Start .......................... .367
Flooded, Starting ...................... .367
Fuel Requirements ..................... .441
Jump Starting ......................... .481
Oil................................. .501
Oil Change Interval ..................... .320
Oil
Filler Cap ......................... .503
574 INDEX
Outside............................. .109
Vanity ...............................112
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... .321
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................431
Mopar Parts ............................ .499
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .442
Multi-Function Control Lever .................202
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................94
Occupant Restraints ........................43
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................441
Odometer .............................. .302
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .303
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................303
Oil, Engine ............................. .501Capacity
............................ .547
Change Interval ....................... .320
Checking ............................ .501
Dipstick ............................. .501
Disposal ............................. .504
Filter ............................... .504
Filter Disposal ........................ .504
Identification Logo ..................... .502
Materials Added to ..................... .504
Recommendation ...................... .502
Synthetic ............................ .503
Viscosity ............................ .503
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .504
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................497
Operating Precautions ..................... .497
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................109
Overdrive .............................. .387
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .387
10
INDEX 581