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
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 515
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasoline contain oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as Ethanol.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or gaso-
line containing more than 10% Ethanol. Use of these
blends may result in starting and drivability prob-
lems, damage critical fuel system components, cause
emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to illumi-
nate. Pump labels should clearly communicate if a
fuel contains greater than 10% Ethanol.
528 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.
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 603
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.
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.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
•The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
•The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
604 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
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
•Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering, and fill as needed.
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
676 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Leaks, Fluid.............................113
Life of Tires.............................515
Liftgate.................................45
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer...............282
Light Bulbs..............................112
Lights.................................112
Airbag................................79
Anti-Lock.............................292
Automatic Headlights....................168
Back-Up..............................665
Brake Assist Warning....................491
Brake Warning.........................295
Bulb Replacement.......................662
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..277
Center Mounted Stop....................668
Daytime Running.......................170
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................166
Exterior..............................112
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..293
Hazard Warning Flasher..................568
Headlights............................662
Headlights On With Wipers................168
High Beam Indicator.....................292
Illuminated Entry........................21
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........293
Map Reading..........................174
Passing..............................177
Reading..............................174
Rear Servicing.........................665
Rear Tail Lamps........................665
Seat Belt Reminder......................292
Security Alarm.........................299
Service...............................662
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .293
Side Marker...........................665
SmartBeams...........................168
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............297
Traction Control........................49110
INDEX 703
Turn Signal............................112
Vanity Mirror..........................134
Loading Vehicle..........................539
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..500
Locks..................................31
Automatic Door.........................33
Child Protection.........................34
Door.................................31
Power Door............................32
Lubrication, Body.........................621
Lug Nuts...............................569
Maintenance Free Battery....................615
Maintenance Procedures....................606
Maintenance Schedule......................676
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......293
Manual, Service..........................690
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)...............160
Memory Seat............................160
Memory Seats and Radio....................160
Methanol...............................528
Mirrors................................123
Electric Powered........................132
Electric Remote.........................132
Exterior Folding........................131
Heated...............................133
Outside..............................130
Rearview.............................123
Vanity...............................134
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............9
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................520
MOPAR® Parts...........................605
MTBE/ETBE............................528
Multi-Function Control Lever.................166
New Vehicle Break-In Period.................107
Occupant Restraints........................50
704 INDEX
Trailer Towing.........................551
Tread Wear Indicators....................514
Tire Safety Information.....................493
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................548
Tow Hooks, Emergency.....................588
Towing................................542
Guide...............................546
Recreational...........................557
Weight...............................546
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........557
Traction Control..........................475
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................480
Trailer Towing...........................542
Cooling System Tips.....................555
Hitches..............................545
Minimum Requirements..................549
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................548
Wiring...............................553
Trailer Towing Guide.......................546
Trailer Weight............................546
Transfer Case............................641
Fluid................................672
Maintenance...........................641
Transmission............................430
Automatic............................430
Fluid................................672
Maintenance...........................642
Shifting..............................426
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .248
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .22
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE).........22
Transporting Pets.........................107
Tread Wear Indicators......................514
Turn Signals.............................293
Uconnect®
Customer Programmable Features...........33210
INDEX 711