
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 feel
the air directed against the windshield. See your autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.
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
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.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Caps, FillerFuel ................................ .383
Oil (Engine) .......................... .425
Power Steering ........................ .331
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................441
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................98
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................385
Car Washes ............................ .449
Cellular Phone .......................... .281
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............469
Certification Label ........................ .386
Chains, Tire ............................ .369
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .350
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .421
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................74
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 ....................... .379
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .451
Climate Control ......................... .281
Clock ................................. .245
Cold Weather Operation ....................301
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............280
Compass .............................. .237
Compass Calibration ...................... .238
Compass Variance ........................ .238
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .230
Connector UCI................................ .270
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........270
Console ............................... .204
508 INDEX

KeyFob...............................33
Remote...............................33
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................33
Door Locks, Automatic ......................35
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .186
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .328
Electrical Power Outlets .....................198
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................110
Electronic Brake Control System ...............339
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................339
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......459
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........173
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............343
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........213
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......223
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................45Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................409
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................392
Jump Starting ......................... .405
Overheating .......................... .392
Towing ............................. .413
Emergency Trunk Release ....................45
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........421
Engine ................................ .419
Air Cleaner .......................... .426
Block Heater ......................... .304
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .424
Compartment ......................... .419
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................437
Cooling ............................. .437
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................98
Fails to Start .......................... .301
Flooded, Starting ...................... .301
510 INDEX

Electric Remote.........................110
Exterior Folding ....................... .109
Heated ...............................111
Outside ............................. .109
Vanity ...............................111
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................372
Mopar Parts ............................ .422
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .380
Multi-Function Control Lever .................165
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................46
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................63
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................379
Odometer .............................. .212
Trip ................................ .212
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .229Oil Change Indicator, Reset
..................229
Oil, Engine ............................. .424
Capacity ............................ .471
Change Interval ....................... .425
Checking ............................ .424
Dipstick ............................. .424
Disposal ............................. .426
Filter ............................... .426
Filter Disposal ........................ .426
Materials Added to ..................... .426
Recommendation ...................... .425
Synthetic ............................ .426
Viscosity ............................ .425
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .426
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................420
Operating Precautions ..................... .420
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................109
Overdrive .............................. .318
10
INDEX 517