
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16” (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread 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 - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
•Distance driven
•Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and summer tires typically have a reduced
1—WornTire2—NewTire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 517 

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
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
608 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until a#clicking#sound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light 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 maynotbe 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 609 

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 “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).
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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (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.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
•Check windshield washer fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
662 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 

Headlights............................652
Headlights On Reminder..................224
High Beam Indicator.....................311
High Beam/Low Beam Select...............228
Illuminated Entry........................20
Interior..............................225
License..............................655
Lights On Reminder.....................224
Low Fuel.............................322
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........316
Oil Pressure...........................323
Park................................652
Passing..............................229
Reading..............................253
Rear Servicing.........................654
Rear Tail Lamps........................654
Seat Belt Reminder......................321
Security Alarm.........................319
Service...............................650
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .316
Side Marker...........................654
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............315
Traction Control........................490
Turn Signal...........................125
Voltage..............................323
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......311
Loading Vehicle..........................285
Capacities............................544
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..502
Load Leveling System......................294
Locks..................................34
Door.................................34
Lubrication, Body.........................622
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)...................294
Lug Nuts...............................573
Maintenance Free Battery....................618
Maintenance Procedures....................612
690 INDEX 

Maintenance Schedule......................662
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......316
Manual, Service..........................676
Map/Reading Lights.......................253
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)...............215
Memory Seat............................136
Methanol...............................532
Mini-Trip Computer.......................337
Mirrors................................133
Automatic Dimming.....................134
Electric Remote.........................136
Exterior Folding........................135
Heated...............................137
Memory..............................215
Outside..............................135
Rearview.............................133
Vanity...............................138
Mode
Fuel Saver............................336
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................522
MOPAR® Parts...........................611
MTBE/ETBE............................532
Multi-Function Control Lever.................227
New Vehicle Break-In Period.................120
Occupant Restraints........................56
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................531
Odometer...............................312
Oil Change Indicator.......................313
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..................313
Oil, Engine..............................612
Capacity.............................656
Change Interval........................613
Checking.............................612
Disposal..............................615
Filter................................61510
INDEX 691 

Adjustment...........................184
Fold in Floor (Stow(nGo).................198
Memory..............................215
Power...............................185
Reclining.............................192
Stow(n Go (Fold in Floor).................198
Security Alarm............................17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)...............657
SENTRY KEY®
FCC General Information..................17
Key Programming.......................17
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)....................15
Sentry Key Replacement.....................16
Service Assistance.........................671
Service Contract..........................673
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . .316
Service Manuals..........................676
Settings, Personal.........................342
Setting the Clock..........................351
Shift Lever Override.......................599
Shoulder Belts............................59
Signals, Turn............................125
Sliding Door.............................44
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)...................520
Snow Tires..............................512
Spare Tire...............................514
Spark Plugs.............................657
Speed Control (Cruise Control)................236
Speedometer.............................318
Starting................................459
Automatic Transmission..................459
Cold Weather..........................460
Engine Fails to Start.....................460
Remote...............................30
Starting and Operating.....................459
Starting Procedures........................459
Steering
Power...............................47810
INDEX 695 

Quality Grading........................677
Radial...............................510
Replacement...........................518
Rotation..............................521
Safety...............................495
Sizes................................497
Snow Tires............................512
Spare Tire.............................576
Spinning.............................516
Trailer Towing.........................553
Tread Wear Indicators....................516
Tire Safety Information.....................495
Tire Service Kit...........................562
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................550
Torque Converter Clutch....................474
Towing................................545
24-Hour Towing Assistance................162
Disabled Vehicle........................601
Guide...............................549
Recreational...........................557
Weight...............................549
Towing Assistance.........................162
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........557
Traction................................475
Traction Control..........................485
Traction Control Switch.....................485
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................491
Trailer Towing...........................545
Cooling System Tips.....................557
Hitches..............................548
Minimum Requirements..................551
Ti p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..556
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................550
Wiring...............................554
Trailer Towing Guide.......................549
Trailer Weight............................549
Transmission............................633
Automatic............................46210
INDEX 697