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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 doing so may cause the MIL 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:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
Loose Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the trip odometer reset button to turn off
the message. If the problem persists, the message will
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 381
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ..........423
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........424
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .425
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............425
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .426
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................427
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .427
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........428
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .429▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... .432
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................432
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............433
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............435
▫ A/C Air Filter – If Equipped .............436
▫ Body Lubrication .....................437
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............438
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................438
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .439
▫ Cooling System ..................... .442
7
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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 driveability.
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 or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
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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 – 2.4L Engine
MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil or equivalent Pennzoil®
or Shell Helix® is recommended for all operating tem-
peratures. 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 engine. For information on
the engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Com-
partment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.Lubricants that do not have both, the engine oil certifi-
cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number
should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity – 3.6L Engine
MOPAR® SAE 5W-20 engine oil or equivalent Pennzoil®
or Shell Helix® is recommended for all operating tem-
peratures. 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 engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
NOTE:
SAE 5W-30 engine oil may be used when SAE
5W-20 engine oil meeting MS- 6395 is not available.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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4. Twist and remove socket from lamp.
5. Remove bulb from socket and replace.
6. Reinstall the tail lamp, fasteners, and trunk liner.License Plate Lamp
1. Using a small screwdriver, press inward the lockingtab on the side of the lamp assembly and pull down on
the lamp assembly for removal.
2. Pull bulb from socket, replace, and reinstall the lamp assembly into place ensuring the locking tab is secure.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.26 Liters
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
Page 503 of 522

Automatic Transmission....................303
Adding Fluid ......................... .451
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................453
Fluid Level Check ...................... .451
Fluid Type ........................... .450
Gear Ranges .......................... .306
Special Additives ...................... .450
Autostick .............................. .320
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................34
Battery ................................ .433
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Location ............................. .433
Belts, Seat ...............................44
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................437
B-Pillar Location ......................... .344
Brake Assist System ...................... .333
Brake, Parking .......................... .327
Brake System ........................... .448Anti-Lock (ABS)
....................... .329
Fluid Check .......................... .448
Master Cylinder ....................... .448
Parking ............................. .327
Warning Light ........................ .221
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................305
Bulb Replacement ........................ .470
Bulbs, Light ..............................96
Calibration, Compass ..................... .240
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .477
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .379
Oil (Engine) .......................... .423
Power Steering ........................ .326
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................445
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................92
Car Washes ............................ .454
Cellular Phone .......................... .128
10
INDEX 501
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Pressure Cap......................... .445
Radiator Cap ......................... .445
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............443
Corrosion Protection ...................... .454
Cruise Light ............................ .226
Cupholders ............................ .204
Customer Assistance ...................... .491
Customer Programmable Features .............244
Data Recorder, Event .......................69
Daytime Running Lights ....................182
Dealer Service ........................... .427
Deck Lid, Power Release .....................38
Defroster, Rear Window .....................210
Defroster, Windshield .......................94
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................185
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................425
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................180 Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ..................451
Oil (Engine) .......................... .429
Power Steering ........................ .326
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................418
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................446
Door Locks ..............................32
Door Locks, Automatic ......................33
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .192
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ..................... .171
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .322
E-85 Fuel .............................. .375
Electrical Power Outlets .....................201
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................210
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................126
10
INDEX 503
Page 506 of 522

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........189
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............333
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......235
Emergency, In Case of Jacking .............................. .400
Jump Starting ..........................411
Towing ............................. .418
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........426
Engine ................................ .423
Air Cleaner .......................... .432
Block Heater ......................... .302
Break-In Recommendations .................91
Checking Oil Level ..................... .429
Compartment ......................... .424
Compartment Identification ................424
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................442
Cooling ............................. .442
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................92
Fuel Requirements ..................... .370Jump Starting
..........................411
Oil................................. .429
Oil Change Interval ..................... .225
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .423
Oil Selection .......................... .430
Oil Synthetic ......................... .432
Overheating .......................... .398
Starting ............................. .301
Temperature Gauge ..................... .218
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .431
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................431
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............65
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
Ethanol ............................... .371
Event Data Recorder ........................69
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................92
Exhaust System ...........................92
Extender, Seat Belt .........................57
504 INDEX