
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off or full off.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1—U.S.DOTSafetyStandardsCode (TIN)4—MaximumLoad
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (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 information.
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.
396 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 problem
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479

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.
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 Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
480 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 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.
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.
532 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..203
Center Mounted Stop....................525
Daytime Running.......................168
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................167
Engine Temperature Warning...............218
Exterior..............................104
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..168
Headlights............................168
Headlight Switch.......................168
High Beam............................170
High Beam Indicator.....................218
High Beam/Low Beam Select...............170
Instrument Cluster......................168
License..............................525
Lights On Reminder.....................168
Low Fuel.............................218
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........218
Map Reading..........................171
Oil Pressure...........................218
Seat Belt Reminder......................218
Security Alarm..........................19
Service...............................524
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............218
Traction Control........................373
Turn Signal...........................104
Voltage..............................218
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......218
Loading Vehicle..........................416
Capacities............................417
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..381
Locks..................................30
Automatic Door.........................32
Child Protection.........................34
Door.................................30
Power Door............................31
Lubrication, Body.........................490
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)...................210
LugNuts...............................438
10
INDEX 559

Lumbar Support..........................157
Maintenance Free Battery....................487
Maintenance Procedures....................482
Maintenance Schedule......................532
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......218
Manual, Service..........................546
Manual Transaxle
Fluid Level Check.......................508
Lubricant Selection......................509
Manual Transmission......................324
Fluid Level Check.......................508
Frequency Of Fluid Change................508
Lubricant Selection......................508
Map/Reading Lights.......................171
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................501
Methanol...............................410
Mini-Trip Computer.......................232
Mirrors................................109
Automatic Dimming.....................110
Electric Powered........................112
Exterior Folding........................111
Heated...............................112
Outside..............................111
Rearview.............................109
Vanity...............................113
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................400
MOPAR® Parts...........................481
MTBE/ETBE............................410
Multi-Function Control Lever.................167
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................99
Occupant Restraints........................40
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................409
Odometer...............................218
Tr i p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..218
560 INDEX

Replacement...........................397
Rotation..............................399
Safety...............................374
Sizes................................376
Snow Tires............................391
Spare Tire.............................441
Spinning.............................395
Trailer Towing.........................427
Tread Wear Indicators....................395
Tire Safety Information.....................374
Tire Service Kit...........................451
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................424
Towing................................418
24-Hour Towing Assistance................129
Disabled Vehicle........................470
Guide...............................423
Recreational...........................433
Weight...............................423
Towing Assistance.........................129
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome...........433
Trailer Towing...........................418
Cooling System Tips.....................432
Hitches..............................422
Minimum Requirements..................425
Ti p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..430
Trailer And Tongue Weight................424
Wiring...............................429
Trailer Towing Guide.......................423
Trailer Weight............................423
Transaxle
Automatic.............................12
Transmission
Automatic............................327
Fluid................................504
Manual..............................324
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®). . . .182
Transporting Pets..........................99
566 INDEX