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CAUTION!• Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel (Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
aftermarket cap can cause the “Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
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 MIL to turn on. (Continued)Fuel Filler Cap
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 511
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WARNING! (Continued)• 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 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
• If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled. Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel has been added, the vehicle diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose,
improperly installed, or damaged. If the system detects a
malfunction, the “gASCAP” message will display in the
odometer display. Tighten the gas cap until a clicking
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is
properly tightened. Press the odometer reset button to
turn the message off. If the problem persists, the message
will appear the next time the vehicle is started. This
might indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected
twice in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL off.512 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 516 of 655

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.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier514 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 561 of 655
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ......... .561
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .562
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... .562
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .563
REPLACEMENT PARTS ................. .564
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .564
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .......... .565
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .566
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .569 ▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... .569
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. .570
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ .571
▫ Body Lubrication .................... .572
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .............. .573
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. .574
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .574
▫ Cooling System ..................... .577
▫ Brake System ....................... .583
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... .585
7
Page 564 of 655

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
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the odometer. Tighten the gas cap until a
clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the562 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 570 of 655

CAUTION!Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity – 3.6L Engine
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine
oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on engine oil
filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Lubricants, which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber, should not be used. Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service568 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 612 of 655
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — Two Door Models 18.6 Gallons 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — Four Door Models 22.5 Gallons 85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L Engine 6 Quarts 5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant
10 Year/152,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 10.5 Quarts 9.9 Liters
* Includes coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. 610 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 613 of 655
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic
Additive Technology) or equivalent meeting the requirements of Chrysler
Material Standard MS-12106.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAR Engine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs RER8ZWYCB4 (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 611