Page 598 of 700

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.NOTE:
Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the
ESC Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
596 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 617 of 700

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 615
Page 618 of 700

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
616 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 629 of 700

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 627
Page 684 of 700

E-85 Fuel.............................. .542
Economy (Fuel) Mode ..................... .471
Electrical Power Outlets .....................269
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................133
Electronic Brake Control System ...............492
Brake Assist System .....................493
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........236
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............494
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......330
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................570
Jacking .............................. .571
Jump Starting ......................... .592
Overheating .......................... .570
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........607
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .614
Block Heater ......................... .468Break-In Recommendations
................117
Checking Oil Level ..................... .610
Compartment ......................... .605
Compartment Identification ................605
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................623
Cooling ............................. .623
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................118
Flooded, Starting ...................... .466
Fuel Requirements ..................... .537
Oil................................. .610
Oil Selection ...........................611
Oil Synthetic ......................... .612
Overheating .......................... .570
Starting ............................. .465
Temperature Gauge ..................... .326
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .612
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................612
682 INDEX
Page 691 of 700

ModeFuel Saver ........................... .340
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................528
Mopar Parts ............................ .609
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .538
Multi-Function Control Lever .................226
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................117
Occupant Restraints ........................56
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................78
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................537
Odometer .............................. .315
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .317
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................317
Oil, Engine ............................. .610
Capacity ............................ .655
Change Interval ........................611 Checking
............................ .610
Disposal ............................. .613
Filter ............................... .613
Filter Disposal ........................ .613
Identification Logo ..................... .612
Materials Added to ..................... .613
Recommendation .......................611
Synthetic ............................ .612
Viscosity ............................ .612
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .613
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................606
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............256
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................130
Overhead Console ........................ .251
Overhead Travel Information Center ............251
Overheating, Engine ...................... .326
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
10
INDEX 689