Page 506 of 678
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to thetread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced. Refer
to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 504 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 582 of 678

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, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the odometer. Tighten the gas cap until a
clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem persists,
580 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 583 of 678

the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do
not crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part
of a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 581
Page 595 of 678

7. Install the A/C air filter with the air filter positionindicators pointing in the same direction as removal.
CAUTION!
The A/C air filter is identified with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure
to properly install the filter will result in the need to
replace it more often.
8. Close A/C Air Filter access doors and secure retaining tabs.
9. Rotate the glove compartment door back into position.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should
be lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease,
such as MOPAR® Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to
the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release mecha-
nism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR®
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 593
Page 629 of 678
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Remove Cartridge fuse #J13 in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) and
store it in a safe location within the PDC.
• Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Automatic Transmission
Indicator Lamp 658
Heater Control Lamps (2) 194
Rocker Switch Indicator
Lamp (Rear Window De-
fogger, and Rear Wash/
Wipe) **
Soundbar Dome Lamp 912
** Bulbs only available from authorized dealer.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 627
Page 638 of 678

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, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Re-
quired” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions 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
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S636 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 660 of 678

Chains, Tire............................ .506
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .559
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .485
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .319
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............103
Checks, Safety .......................... .103
Child Restraint ............................79
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................99
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....94
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................96
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......87
Child Safety Locks .........................44
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .522
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .614
Climate Control ......................... .399
Clock ................................. .345Cold Weather Operation
....................419
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............398
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .501
Compass .............................. .323
Compass Calibration ...................... .326
Compass Variance ........................ .325
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .322
Connector UCI................................ .390
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........390
Console ............................... .192
Console, Floor .......................... .192
Contract, Service ......................... .649
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........601
Cooling System .......................... .597
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............599
Coolant Capacity ...................... .632
Coolant Level ......................... .602
Disposal of Used Coolant .................601
658 INDEX
Page 667 of 678

Cargo ...............................175
Center Mounted Stop ....................631
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........319
Cruise .............................. .314
Daytime Running ...................... .174
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ..........322
Exterior ............................. .107
Fog ................................ .173
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................556
Headlights ........................... .170
Headlight Switch ...................... .170
High Beam ........................... .309
High Beam Indicator .....................309
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............482
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .170
Interior ............................. .174
Lights On Reminder .....................172
Low Fuel ............................ .308Oil Pressure
.......................... .309
Passing ............................. .173
Rear Servicing ........................ .631
Rear Tail Lamps ....................... .631
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .309
Security Alarm ........................ .313
Service .............................. .628
Side Marker .......................... .631
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............314
Traction Control ....................... .480
Turn Signal .......................... .107
Voltage ............................. .308
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......308
Loading Vehicle ......................... .528
Tires ............................... .490
Locking Axle ........................... .444
Locks ..................................
40
Automatic Door .........................43
Child Protection .........................44
10
INDEX 665