Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat
belt or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is
not lit during starting, see your authorized
dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 99
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
Checking Oil Level — 5.7L 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 in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
Capacities, Fluid......................... .491
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .376
Oil (Engine) .......................... .445
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................460
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................98
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................379
Car Washes ............................ .469
Cellular Phone .......................... .276
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............489
Certification Label ........................ .379
Chains, Tire ............................ .359
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .412
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .337
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .439
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................73
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation
.....................92
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....87
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................89
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......81
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .373
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .470
Climate Control ......................... .276
Clock ................................. .241
Cold Weather Operation ....................296
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............275
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .354
Compass .............................. .231
Compass Calibration ...................... .232
Compass Variance ........................ .232
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .227
Connector UCI................................ .265
518 INDEX
DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................460
Door Locks Door Locks ............................33
KeyFob...............................33
Remote ...............................33
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................33
Door Locks, Automatic ......................35
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .185
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .317
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......227
Electrical Power Outlets .....................197
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................111
Electronic Brake Control System ...............327
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......478
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........172Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
..............331
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......221
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................44
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................426
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................399
Jacking .............................. .412
Jump Starting ......................... .421
Overheating .......................... .399
Towing ............................. .429
Emergency Trunk Release ....................44
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........439
Engine ................................ .437
Air Cleaner .......................... .446
Block Heater ......................... .299
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .442
Compartment ......................... .436
520 INDEX
Change Interval....................... .443
Checking ............................ .442
Dipstick ............................. .442
Disposal ............................. .446
Filter ............................... .446
Filter Disposal ........................ .446
Identification Logo ..................... .444
Materials Added to ..................... .445
Recommendation ...................... .443
Synthetic ............................ .445
Viscosity ............................ .444
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .446
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................438
Operating Precautions ..................... .438
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................110
Overdrive .............................. .313
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .313
Overhead Console ........................ .184Overheating, Engine
...................... .212
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .468
Panic Alarm ..............................27
Parking Brake ........................... .321
ParkSense® System, Rear ....................176
Passing Light ........................... .166
Personal Settings ......................... .234
Pets ....................................96
Pets, Transporting ..........................96
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........344
Power Brakes .............................. .324
Deck Lid Release ........................43
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................478
Door Locks ............................34
Mirrors ..............................111
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........197
528 INDEX