
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
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
100 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
SAE 0W-40 engine oil or equivalent meeting the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12633.
512 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Parking............................. .422
Warning Light ........................ .321
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................404
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .........97
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................228
Bulb Replacement ..................... .552, 553
Bulbs, Light ......................... .102, 552
Camera, Rear ........................... .280
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .557
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .513
Power Steering ........................ .421
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................527
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................99, 472
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................477
Car Washes ............................ .535
Cellular Phone .......................... .380
Certification Label ........................ .477Chains, Tire
............................ .458
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .438
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ........................... .318, 508
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............98
Checks, Safety ............................98
Child Restraint ............................75
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................93
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....88
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................90
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......82
Child Safety Locks .........................34
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .469
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .536
Climate Control ......................... .380
Coin Holder ............................ .306
592 INDEX

Emergency Deck Lid Release..................46
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................499
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................482
Jump Starting ......................... .495
Overheating .......................... .482
Emergency Trunk Release ....................46
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........508
Engine ................................ .507
Air Cleaner .......................... .514
Block Heater ......................... .401
Break-In Recommendations .................97
Checking Oil Level ..................... .512
Compartment ......................... .507
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................523, 558
Cooling ............................. .523
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................99, 472
Fails to Start .......................... .400
Flooded, Starting ...................... .400Fuel Requirements
..................... .468
Jump Starting ......................... .495
Oil .......................... .512, 557, 558
Oil Change Interval ..................334, 512
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .513
Oil Selection ...................... .512, 557
Oil Synthetic ......................... .513
Overheating .......................... .482
Starting ............................. .397
Temperature Gauge ..................... .324
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .513
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
Ethanol ............................... .469
Event Data Recorder ........................74
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................99, 472
Exhaust System ....................... .99, 521
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................112
Exterior Lighting ......................... .219
10
INDEX 595

Multi-Function Control Lever.................224
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................97
Occupant Restraints ...................46, 67, 72
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............64, 67, 70
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............468, 558
Odometer .............................. .315
Oil Change Indicator ...................316, 334
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...............316, 334
Oil, Engine ......................... .512, 558
Capacity ............................ .557
Change Interval .....................334, 512
Checking ............................ .512
Dipstick ............................. .512
Filter ............................ .513, 558
Materials Added to ..................... .513
Recommendation ....................512, 557
Synthetic ............................ .513Viscosity
......................... .513, 557
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .513
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................508
Operating Precautions ..................... .508
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................111
Overdrive .............................. .410
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .410
Overheating, Engine ....................324, 482
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,586
Paint Care ............................. .534
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ........................... .422
ParkSense® System, Rear ....................272
Passing Light ........................... .225
Passive Entry .............................35
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ .238
Pets ....................................97
602 INDEX