WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
540 STARTING AND OPERATING
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
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 or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
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 one quart 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.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 597
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 thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
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S642 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............611
Adding Fuel.............................537
Adding Washer Fluid......................608
Additives, Fuel...........................531
Adjustable Pedals.........................235
Airbag..................................74
Airbag Deployment........................85
Airbag Light.............................82
Airbag Maintenance........................87
Airbag, Side..............................78
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)................78
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .599
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................604
Air Conditioning..........................431
Air Conditioning Controls...................431
Air Conditioning Filter.....................455
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.................437
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................604
Air Conditioning System....................431Air Conditioning System, Zone Control..........431
Air Pressure, Tires.........................507
Alarm Light.............................320
Alarm (Security Alarm)......................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.....................373
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................610
Disposal..............................613
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................314
Anti-Theft System..........................17
Appearance Care.........................619
Ashtray................................278
Assistance Towing.........................160
Assist, Hill Start..........................493
Auto Down Power Windows..................42
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................131
Automatic Door Locks......................38
Automatic Headlights......................222
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........440
662 INDEX
Automatic Transmission....................464
Adding Fluid..........................618
Fluid and Filter Changes..................618
Fluid Change..........................618
Fluid Level Check.......................618
Fluid Type............................617
Gear Ranges...........................469
Special Additives.......................617
Torque Converter.......................476
Auto Up Power Windows....................42
Battery.................................603
Jump Starting..........................579
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........28
Saving Feature (Protection)................228
Belts, Seat...............................118
Blind Spot Monitoring......................136
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................607
B-Pillar Location..........................502Brake Assist System.......................487
Brake Control System, Electronic..............486
Brake Fluid.............................640
Brake System............................615
Fluid Check...........................615
Parking..............................481
Warning Light.........................320
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................466
Bulb Replacement.........................635
Bulbs, Light.............................120
Calibration, Compass......................340
Camera, Rear............................249
Capacities, Fluid..........................638
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................537
Power Steering.........................481
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................612
Carbon Monoxide Warning
..................11710
INDEX 663
Cargo Area Features.......................292
Cargo Compartment.......................292
Luggage Carrier........................295
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................284
Car Washes.............................619
Cellular Phone...........................431
Center High Mounted Stop Light..............637
Certification Label.........................539
Chains, Tire.............................517
Changing A Flat Tire.......................561
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................497
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .317
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............117
Checks, Safety............................117
Child Restraint............................89
Child Safety Locks.........................49
Clean Air Gasoline........................529
Climate Control..........................431
Clock..................................350Coat Hook..............................284
Coin Holder.............................285
Cold Weather Operation....................462
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............430
Compact Spare Tire........................511
Compass...............................340
Compass Calibration.......................340
Compass Variance.........................341
Computer, Trip/Travel......................338
Connector
UCI.................................376
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)..........376
Conserving Fuel..........................336
Console................................285
Console, Floor...........................285
Console, Overhead........................252
Console, Removable.......................289
Contract, Service..........................654
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)
...........612
664 INDEX
Cooling System...........................608
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............611
Coolant Capacity.......................638
Coolant Level..........................609
Disposal of Used Coolant.................613
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................610
Inspection............................613
Points to Remember.....................613
Pressure Cap..........................612
Radiator Cap..........................612
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............610
Corrosion Protection.......................619
Cupholders.............................274
Customer Assistance.......................651
Data Recorder, Event.......................88
Daytime Running Lights....................224
Dealer Service............................595
Defroster, Windshield......................119Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..................230
Diagnostic System, Onboard.................592
Dimmer Control..........................225
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission..................618
Oil (Engine)...........................597
Power Steering.........................481
Disabled Vehicle Towing....................586
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................613
Door Locks..............................35
Door Opener, Garage.......................256
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................478
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy......336
E-85 Fuel...............................533
Economy (Fuel) Mode......................466
10
INDEX 665
Center Mounted Stop....................637
Daytime Running.......................224
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................225
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator.....491
Engine Temperature Warning...............323
Exterior..............................120
Fog .................................224
Hazard Warning Flasher..................560
Headlights............................635
Headlights On Reminder..................224
High Beam Indicator.....................311
High Beam/Low Beam Select...............228
Illuminated Entry........................20
Interior..............................225
License..............................637
Lights On Reminder.....................224
Low Fuel.............................322
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........317
Oil Pressure...........................323Park................................635
Passing..............................228
Reading..............................253
Rear Servicing.........................636
Rear Tail.............................636
Seat Belt Reminder......................321
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...............320
Service...............................634
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator). . . .317
Side Marker...........................636
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)...............320
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............315
Traction Control........................491
Turn Signal...........................120
Voltage..............................323
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......311
Loading Vehicle
..........................284
Capacities............................541
Tires ................................502
10
INDEX 671