
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 313

EVIC Amber Telltale Lights
This area will show reconfigurable amber caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
•Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
• Loose Gascap Indicator
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the telltale display area. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the SELECT button
to turn off the message. If the problem continues, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). •
Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This light will turn on to indicate the wind-
shield washer fluid is low.
• SERV AWD
The SERV AWD light monitors the electric shift AWD
system. If the SERV AWD light stays on or comes on
during driving, it means that the AWD system is not
functioning properly and that service is required.
EVIC Red Telltale Lights
This area will show reconfigurable red telltales. These
telltales include:
• Door Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors may be ajar.
332 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire sidewall. See the
Tire Sizing Chart example found in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a
wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer with any questions you may
have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
518 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the malfunction indicator light
to turn on.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full. •
Tighten the gas cap about one-quarter turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
• If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL will come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the
vehicle is refueled.
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release
If you are unable to open the fuel filler door, use the fuel
filler door emergency release.
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Push down on the inboard edge of the left storage bin, this will pop up the outboard edge.
3. Grab popped up outboard edge with other hand to disengage snaps.
4. Remove the storage bin.
544 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Pull the release cable.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicatorwill display in the EVIC telltale display area. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
SELECT button to turn off the message. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
Release Cable
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 545

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
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines
that the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged, a loose gascap indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 607

Cargo Compartment...................... .291
Light .............................. .292
Luggage Carrier ...................... .296
Cargo Light ............................ .292
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .293
Car Washes ............................ .639
Cellular Phone .......................... .422
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............655
Certification Label ........................ .545
Chains, Tire ............................ .520
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .576
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .500
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .608
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............108
Checks, Safety .......................... .108
Child Restraint ............................83
Child Safety Locks .........................36
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .534Cleaning
Wheels ............................. .640
Climate Control ......................... .423
Clock ................................. .355
Cold Weather Operation ....................444
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............422
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .514
Compass .............................. .340
Compass Calibration ...................... .342
Compass Variance ........................ .341
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .338
Connector UCI ............................... .380
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) .........380
Conserving Fuel ......................... .336
Console, Overhead ....................... .260
Contract, Service ......................... .671
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........628
680 INDEX

Mini-Trip Computer...................... .338
Mirrors ............................... .120
Automatic Dimming ....................121
Electric Powered ...................... .122
Electric Remote ....................... .122
Exterior Folding ....................... .122
Heated ............................. .123
Outside ............................. .120
Rearview ........................... .120
Vanity .............................. .124
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... .336
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............9
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................522
Mopar Parts ............................ .609
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .534
Multi-Function Control Lever .................200New Vehicle Break-In Period
.................108
Occupant Restraints ........................49
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................71
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................533
Odometer .............................. .315
Trip ............................... .315
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .335
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................335
Oil, Engine ..............................611
Capacity ............................ .656
Change Interval ....................... .612
Dipstick .............................611
Disposal ............................ .613
Filter .............................. .614
Filter Disposal ........................ .613
Identification Logo ..................... .612
Materials Added to .....................613
Recommendation ...................... .612
688 INDEX