Page 375 of 516
After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the gas
cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s surface.
NOTE:If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
• A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
Tether Cable
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373
Page 376 of 516

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:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full. •
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.
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
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.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 419 of 516
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ..........419
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........420
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .421
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............421
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .422
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................423
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .423
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........424
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .425▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... .428
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................428
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............429
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............430
▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped ............432
▫ Body Lubrication .....................433
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............434
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................434
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .435
▫ Cooling System ..................... .438
7
Page 423 of 516

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 421
Page 429 of 516

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 Compartment” 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 approved to Chrysler
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®, Shell
Helix® or equivalent 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 engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
NOTE:MOPAR® SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®,
Shell Helix® or equivalent may be used when SAE 5W-20
engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
Page 473 of 516
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
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
3.6L Engine (MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471
Page 497 of 516

Adding Fluid......................... .447
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................450
Fluid Level Check ...................... .447
Fluid Type ........................... .446
Gear Ranges .......................... .299
Special Additives ...................... .447
Autostick .............................. .314
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................33
Auto Up Power Windows ....................38
Battery ................................ .429
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........26
Location ............................. .429
Belts, Seat ...............................96
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................433
B-Pillar Location ......................... .337
Brake Assist System ...................... .326
Brake, Parking .......................... .320
Brake System ........................... .444Anti-Lock (ABS)
....................... .322
Fluid Check .......................... .444
Master Cylinder ....................... .444
Parking ............................. .320
Warning Light .........................211
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................298
Bulb Replacement ........................ .463
Bulbs, Light ..............................99
Calibration, Compass ..................... .230
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........21
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .471
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .372
Oil (Engine) .......................... .419
Power Steering ........................ .319
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................441
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................95
Car Washes ............................ .451
10
INDEX 495
Page 499 of 516

Pressure Cap......................... .441
Radiator Cap ......................... .441
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............439
Corrosion Protection ...................... .450
Crankcase Ventilation Module .................21
Cruise Light ............................ .215
Cupholders ............................ .160
Customer Assistance ...................... .485
Customer Programmable Features .............233
Data Recorder, Event .......................72
Daytime Running Lights ....................167
Dealer Service ........................... .423
Deck Lid, Power Release .....................40
Defroster, Rear Window .....................200
Defroster, Windshield .......................97
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................170
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................421
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................165 Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ..................447
Oil (Engine) .......................... .425
Power Steering ........................ .319
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................414
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................442
Door Locks ..............................31
Door Locks, Automatic ......................33
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .317
E-85 Fuel .............................. .368
Electrical Power Outlets .....................190
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................200
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................107
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........174
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............327
10
INDEX 497