While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant
installed at the factory is high-quality and energy-
conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be
consistent with anticipated climate and conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as an indication of difficulty. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during
the break in period. Add oil as required.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screwthe fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The Deflated
Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
• After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire. NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the
Mode Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position
and not Air Mode. Press the Power Button (4) to turn
On the TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if
available. Make sure the engine is running before
turning ON the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
406 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level — 3.6L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
(If Equipped)
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be 1/4
inch (6.4mm) below the bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid,
if necessary, to maintain the proper level. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
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 has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have thetransmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age 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 467
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........276
Automatic Transmission ....................306
Adding Fluid ......................... .467
Autostick ............................ .314
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................467
Fluid Change ......................... .467
Fluid Level Check ...................... .467
Fluid Type ........................... .494
Special Additives ...................... .466
Autostick .............................. .314
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................35
Axle Fluid ............................. .494
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) .................494
Battery ................................ .447
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........28
Location ............................. .447
Belts, Seat ...............................49
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................452B-Pillar Location
......................... .343
Brake Assist System ...................... .328
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............327
Brake Fluid ............................ .494
Brake, Parking .......................... .321
Brakes ................................ .324
Brake System ........................... .324
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .324
Fluid Check .......................... .463
Master Cylinder ....................... .463
Parking ............................. .321
Warning Light ........................ .216
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................306
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .........96
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................167
Bulb Replacement ........................ .484
Bulbs, Light ............................ .101
Calibration, Compass ..................... .232
10
INDEX 517
Fluid, Brake............................ .494
Fluid Capacities ......................... .491
Fluid Leaks ............................ .101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................467
Brake ............................... .463
Cooling System ........................ .456
Engine Oil ........................... .442
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........492
Fog Lights ............................. .164
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .157
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................426
Fuel .................................. .371
Adding ............................. .376
Additives ............................ .375
Clean Air ............................ .373
Conserving ........................... .227
Ethanol ............................. .373
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................376 Gasoline
............................. .371
Gauge .............................. .210
Materials Added ....................... .375
Methanol ............................ .373
Octane Rating ......................... .371
Requirements ......................... .371
Saver Mode .......................... .227
Specifications ......................... .492
Tank Capacity ......................... .491
Fueling ............................... .376
Fuel Optimizer .......................... .227
Fuel Saver ............................. .227
Fuel System Caution ...................... .377
Fuses ................................. .474
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ............185
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...................376
Gasoline,
Clean Air ....................... .373
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .371
522 INDEX
Maintenance Procedures....................441
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .496
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......220
Manual, Service ......................... .512
Manual Transmission ..................... .299
Fluid Level Check ...................... .465
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .166
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................463
Methanol .............................. .373
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .227
Mirrors ............................... .108
Automatic Dimming .....................109
Electric Powered ........................111
Electric Remote .........................111
Exterior Folding ........................110
Heated ...............................112
Outside ..............................110
Rearview ............................ .108
Vanity ...............................112 Mode
Fuel Saver ........................... .227
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................362
Mopar Parts ............................ .440
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .373
Multi-Function Control Lever .................165
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................45
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................62
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................371
Odometer .............................. .210
Trip ................................ .210
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................225
Oil, Engine ............................. .442
Capacity ............................ .491
10
INDEX 527