
CAUTION!(Continued)
blends may result in starting and drivability prob-
lems, damage critical fuel system components, cause
emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to illumi-
nate. Pump labels should clearly communicate if a
fuel contains greater than 10% Ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline containing
Methanol or gasoline containing more than 10% Ethanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
not be covered under New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) is compatible with gasoline
containing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher etha-
nol content may void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms: •
Operate in a lean mode.
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on.
• Poor engine performance.
• Poor cold start and cold drivability.
• Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
• Drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer.)
• Change the engine oil and oil filter.
• Disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory.
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
372 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 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

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

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause seri-
ous damage. To prevent dirt and water from enter-
ing the transmission after checking or replenishing
fluid, make sure that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid Level Check – Six-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
CAUTION!
•
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

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
(four-speed only) and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
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S482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Maintenance Free Battery....................433
Maintenance Procedures ....................428
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .482
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......230
Manual, Service ......................... .496
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .183
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................448
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ...............171
Methanol .............................. .371
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .233
Mirrors ............................... .124
Automatic Dimming .....................125
Electric Powered ....................... .126
Electric Remote ........................ .126
Heated .............................. .127
Outside ............................. .127
Rearview ............................ .124
Vanity .............................. .128
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7Monitor, Tire Pressure System
................362
Mopar Parts ............................ .427
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .371
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................91
Occupant Restraints ........................40
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................60
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................370
Odometer .............................. .222
Trip ................................ .222
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................225
Oil, Engine ............................. .429
Capacity ............................ .477
Change Interval ....................... .225
Checking ............................ .429
Dipstick ............................. .429
Disposal ............................. .432
510 INDEX

PretensionersSeat Belts ..............................51
Programmable Electronic Features .............244
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) . .21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .352
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........445
Radio Operation ......................... .282
Radio Remote Controls .....................280
Rear Cupholder ......................... .205
Rearview Mirrors ........................ .124
Rear Window Defroster .....................210
Rear Window Features .....................210
Recorder, Event Data .......................69
Recreational Towing ...................... .395
Reformulated Gasoline .....................371
Refrigerant ............................. .435
Release, Hood ........................... .175
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................56 Remote Control
Security Alarm ..........................18
Starting System .........................28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ..................21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls .........280
Remote Starting System ......................28
Remote Trunk Release .......................38
Replacement Bulbs ....................... .470
Replacement Keys .........................16
Replacement Parts ........................ .427
Replacement Tires ........................ .359
Reporting Safety Defects ....................495
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ................225
Restraint, Head .......................... .171
Restraints, Child ...........................70
Restraints, Occupant ........................40
Rotation, Tires .......................... .361
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ..................93
512 INDEX

Weight.............................. .387
Towing Assistance ........................ .143
Traction ............................... .321
Trailer Towing .......................... .384
Cooling System Tips .....................394
Hitches ............................. .386
Minimum Requirements ..................389
Tips................................ .392
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................388
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .387
Trailer Weight ........................... .387
Transmission ........................... .450
Automatic ........................... .303
Filter ............................... .453
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .27
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .192
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .21
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........21
Transporting Pets ..........................91 Tread Wear Indicators
..................... .358
Trip Computer .......................... .233
Trip Odometer .......................... .222
Trip Odometer Reset Button ..................226
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) .......................38
Trunk Release Remote Control .................38
Turn Signals ............................ .180
UCI Connector .......................... .273
Uconnect® (Hands-Free Phone) ...............128
Understanding Your Instrument Panel ...........216
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................497
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . .273
Universal Transmitter ..................... .192
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .370
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt ................49
Upholstery Care ......................... .457
Vanity Mirrors .......................... .128
516 INDEX