
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
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
specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and
improve 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.
538 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
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.
540 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 541

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 alternating
between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recommended.
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).
544 STARTING AND OPERATING

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
Engine Oil We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR® Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]).
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
654 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Additives............................ .540
Clean Air ............................ .538
Conserving ........................... .340
Economy Mode ....................... .474
Ethanol ............................. .539
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................323
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ....................323
Gasoline ............................. .538
Gauge .............................. .323
Light ............................... .326
Materials Added ....................... .540
Methanol ............................ .539
Octane Rating ......................... .538
Requirements ......................... .538
Saver Mode .......................... .340
Tank Capacity ......................... .653
Fuel, Flexible ........................... .542
Fueling ............................... .546
Fuel Optimizer .......................... .340Fuel Saver
............................. .340
Fuses ................................. .638
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ............260
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................546
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .538
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .538
Conserving ........................... .340
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................538
Gauges Coolant Temperature .....................325
Fuel ................................ .323
Speedometer ......................... .322
Tachometer ........................... .315
Gear Ranges ............................ .477
Gear Select Lever Override ..................596
General Information ........................17
Glass
Cleaning .......................... .636
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...................550
684 INDEX

Load Leveling System..................... .298
Locks ..................................35
Door .................................35
Lubrication, Body ........................ .619
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ...................298
Maintenance Free Battery ....................615
Maintenance Procedures ....................608
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .658
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......321
Manual, Service ......................... .672
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .256
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ...............217
Memory Seat ........................... .137
Methanol .............................. .539
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .342
Mirrors ............................... .134
Automatic Dimming .....................135
Electric Remote ........................ .137Exterior Folding
....................... .136
Heated .............................. .138
Memory ............................. .217
Outside ............................. .136
Rearview ............................ .134
Vanity .............................. .139
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... .340
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................529
Mopar Parts ............................ .607
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .539
Multi-Function Control Lever .................228
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................120
Occupant Restraints ........................60
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................82
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................538
688 INDEX