
WARNING!(Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and 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 about 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that cap is properly tight-
ened. •
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the odometer/trip odometer RESET
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
420 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 481

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 malfunc-
tion, visit you authorized dealer immediately to have the
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe transmission 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
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is frequently
driven on rough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads,
on short trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or is used for frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi,
etc., change the fluid as indicated in the Maintenance
Schedule. In addition, change the fluid and filter if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 507

use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid 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 filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visityour authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
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 transmission is disassembled for any reason.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 509

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures will influence when the
“Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Clus-
ter Descriptions” or “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
8
M A I
N T
E
N
A
N
C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S532 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Manual TransaxleFluid Level Check ...................... .510
Lubricant Selection ......................511
Manual Transmission ..................... .329
Fluid Level Check ...................... .510
Frequency of Fluid Change ................510
Lubricant Selection ..................... .510
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .171
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................503
Methanol .............................. .415
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .236
Mirrors ............................... .109
Automatic Dimming .....................110
Electric Powered ........................111
Exterior Folding ........................111
Heated ...............................112
Outside ..............................111
Rearview ............................ .109
Vanity ...............................112 Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................404
Mopar Parts ............................ .483
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .415
Multi-Function Control Lever .................166
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................99
Occupant Restraints ........................69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................40
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................414
Odometer .............................. .230
Trip ................................ .229
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .241
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................241
Oil, Engine ............................. .485
Capacity ............................ .527
Change Interval ....................... .486
Checking ............................ .485
560 INDEX

24-Hour Towing Assistance................127
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .474
Guide .............................. .427
Recreational .......................... .437
Weight .............................. .427
Towing Assistance ........................ .127
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........437
Trailer Towing .......................... .423
Cooling System Tips .....................436
Hitches ............................. .426
Minimum Requirements ..................429
Tips................................ .434
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................428
Wiring .............................. .433
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .427
Trailer Weight ........................... .427
Transaxle Automatic .............................12 Transmission
Automatic ........................... .332
Fluid ............................... .506
Manual ............................. .329
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .183
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .399
Trip Computer .......................... .236
Trip Odometer .......................... .230
Trip Odometer Reset Button ..................229
Turn Signals ............................ .168
UCI Connector .......................... .297
Uconnect® Advanced Phone Connectivity ..............131
Operation .............................115
Phone Call Features .....................123
Phone Features ........................ .126
566 INDEX