
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 Alfa Twin
Clutch Transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
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.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/scheduled maintenance
and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the de-
signed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of parts which are not quality-equivalent to genuine
parts for maintenance and repairs will not be covered by
the manufacturer ’s warranty.
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267

NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Dark Vapor or
Black Satin Chrome wheels DO NOT USE wheel cleaners,
abrasives or polishing compounds. They will perma-
nently damage this finish and such damage is not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. USE ONLY
MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used
on a regular basis this is all that is required to maintain
this finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR® Total Clean, or a
mild soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR® Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use
a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR®, or any commercial household-type glass
cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution
when cleaning the inside rear window equipped. Do not
use scrapers or other sharp instrument that may scratch
the elements.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm water
(If Equipped), keep all objects a safe distance from the
windows.When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285

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 in the instrument clus-
ter. This means that an engine oil and engine oil filter
change 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).The Wrench Warning Light may appear in the cluster as
a service reminder when vehicle maintenance is required,
according to the scheduled maintenance mileage. The
maintenance schedule intervals are set by the manufac-
turer. Failure to have them carried out may void your
New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:The actual interval for changing the oil and
replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle
usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light or
message (if present) on the instrument panel or every 12
months.
Severe Duty All Models
In addition, if your vehicle is used under demanding
conditions, including:
•On the track
•On dusty roads
312 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Onboard Diagnostic System..................250
Operating Precautions......................250
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............5
Outside Rearview Mirrors....................76
Overheating, Engine.......................226
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............5
Paint Care..............................280
Parking Brake............................173
Passing Light.............................87
Pets....................................68
Pets, Transporting..........................68
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........192
Power
Door Locks............................23
Mirrors...............................77
Windows..............................27
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts................40
PretensionersSeat Belts..............................41
Radial Ply Tires..........................199
Radio Operation..........................142
Reclining Front Seats.......................80
Recreational Towing.......................222
Reformulated Gasoline.....................216
Refrigerant..............................258
Reminder, Seat Belt.........................34
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
FCC General Information..................23
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................19
Unlock The Doors.......................20
Replacement Bulbs........................292
Replacement Keys.........................14
Replacement Parts.........................250
Replacement Tires.........................206
Reporting Safety Defects....................325
Restraint, Head...........................81
340 INDEX

Sizes................................186
Snow Tires............................201
Spinning.............................205
Tread Wear Indicators....................205
Tire Safety Information.....................184
To Open Deck Lid.........................82
Towing................................222
Recreational...........................222
Towing Eyes.............................242
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........222
Traction................................169
Trailer Towing...........................222
Transaxle
Automatic.............................11
Transmission............................157
Automatic............................156
Fluid................................278
Maintenance...........................278
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .21Transporting Passengers.....................69
Transporting Pets..........................68
Tread Wear Indicators......................205
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.................327
Unleaded Gasoline........................215
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt................40
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).............7
Vehicle Loading..........................192
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations...............8
Vehicle Security Alarm (Security Alarm)..........15
Vehicle Storage...........................292
Ventilation System.........................143
Warning Flasher, Hazard....................226
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .112
Warnings and Cautions.......................7
Warranty Information........................4
10
INDEX 343