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
96 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 quart (1.0 liter) 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.
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 quart (1.0
liter) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477
Brake Fluid.............................530
Brake, Parking...........................361
Brakes.................................363
Brake System............................363
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................364
Fluid Check...........................497
Master Cylinder........................497
Parking..............................361
Warning Light.........................263
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................344
Brightness, Interior Lights...................155
Bulb Replacement.........................521
Bulbs, Light..............................98
Camera, Rear............................223
Capacities, Fluid..........................527
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................479
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................494
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................95
Cargo Area Features.......................254
Cargo Compartment.......................254
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................424
Car Washes.............................502
Cellular Phone...........................303
Certification Label.........................424
Chains, Tire.............................399
Changing A Flat Tire.......................445
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................377
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .263
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............94
Checks, Safety............................94
Child Restraint............................71
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................76
Center Seat LATCH......................85
Child Restraints.........................71
Child Seat Installation.....................90
552 INDEX
Electric Rear Window Defrost.................255
Electric Remote Mirrors.....................114
Electronic Brake Control System...............364
Brake Assist System.....................367
Traction Control System...................366
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)......509
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........168
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............367
Emergency Deck Lid Release..................42
Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck................459
Hazard Warning Flasher..................442
Jacking...............................445
Jump Starting..........................455
Overheating...........................442
Towing..............................463
Emergency Trunk Release....................42
Emission Control System Maintenance..........473
Engine.................................472
Air Cleaner...........................481
Block Heater..........................342
Break-In Recommendations.................93
Checking Oil Level......................477
Compartment..........................471
Compartment Identification................471
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................491
Cooling..............................490
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................95
Fails To Start..........................340
Flooded, Starting.......................340
Fuel Requirements......................413
Jump Starting..........................455
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..477
Oil Filler Cap..........................479
Oil Selection...........................478
Oil Synthetic..........................480
Overheating...........................442
Starting..............................337
10
INDEX 555
Outside..............................112
Rearview.............................106
Vanity...............................115
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................402
MOPAR® Parts...........................475
MTBE/ETBE............................414
Multi-Function Control Lever.................151
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................93
Occupant Restraints........................42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................413
Odometer...............................263
Oil, Engine..............................274
Capacity.............................527
Change Interval........................478
Checking.............................477
Dipstick..............................477
Disposal..............................480
Filter................................480
Filter Disposal.........................480
Identification Logo......................478
Materials Added To......................480
Recommendation.......................478
Synthetic.............................480
Viscosity.............................479
Oil Filter, Selection........................480
Onboard Diagnostic System..................473
Operating Precautions......................473
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors...................112
Overheating, Engine.......................442
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paddle Shifters...........................352
Paddle Shift Mode........................352
Paint Care..............................501
562 INDEX