
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
“Check fuel cap” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Turn the ignition to the MAR-ON position then toSTOP.
3. After turning the ignition to the STOP, within two minutes move the right stalk upward, into the un-
stable (“anti-panic”) position, for at least half of a
second. The windshield wiper then executes part of a
stroke; at each command, approximately 1/3 of a
normal wiper stroke is triggered.
NOTE: The previous operation can be repeated up to
three times. In order to move the blades to the most
suitable position.
4. Lift the blade from the windshield and proceed with the required operation.
5. Carefully lower the blade, bringing it back in contact with the windshield.
6. Bring the blade to the initial rest position, turning the ignition to MAR-ON. NOTE:
Do not operate the screen wiper with the blades
lifted from the windshield.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the engine
compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an
authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C condenser
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343

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.
Interior Care
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Cleaning Interior Trim
Clean interior trim with a damp cloth and MOPAR®
Total Clean or equivalent, and if necessary, follow with
MOPAR® Spot & Stain Remover or equivalent. Do not
use harsh cleaners or Armor All®. Use MOPAR® Total
Clean or equivalent to clean vinyl upholstery.
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
MOPAR® Total Clean or equivalent is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357

cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or windows
equipped with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instrument that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or cloth that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution maybe used, but do not use high alcohol content or
abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a
clean damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do
not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359

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, extended engine
idle time, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
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 otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change Reset”
in “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 350 hours of engine
run time 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.
380 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Car Washes............................ .354
Cellular Phone .......................... .180
Certification Label ........................ .267
Chains, Tire ............................ .253
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .231
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ............147, 329
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............86
Checks, Safety ............................86
Child Restraint ............................61
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................66
Child Restraints .........................61
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........75
Infants And Child Restraints ................64
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........64
Cigar Lighter ........................... .134
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .261Cleaning
Wheels .............................. .356
Climate Control ......................... .181
Manual ............................. .181
Cold Weather Operation ....................200
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .248
Contract, Service ......................... .389
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........347
Cooling System .......................... .343
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............345
Coolant Capacity ...................... .374
Coolant Level ......................... .348
Disposal of Used Coolant .................347
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................344
Inspection ........................ .343, 348
Points to Remember .....................348
Pressure Cap ......................... .347
Radiator Cap ......................... .347
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......344, 374, 375
398 INDEX

Corrosion Protection...................... .354
Cruise Light ............................ .147
Cupholders ............................ .135
Customer Assistance ...................... .387
Customer Programmable Features .............166
Data Recorder, Event .......................60
Daytime Running Lights ....................111
Dealer Service ........................... .331
Defroster, Rear Window .....................140
Defroster, Windshield ....................88, 183
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................328
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... .332
Power Steering ........................ .217
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................320
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................347
Door Locks ..............................21 Doors
..................................21
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .214
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ........131
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................140
Electric Remote Mirrors ......................96
Electronic Brake Control System ...............221
Brake Assist System .....................222
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................212
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..............228
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........118
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............225
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Exit Trip ............................. .164
NewTrip ............................ .164
Start Of Trip Procedure ...................164
Trip Computer ........................ .163
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INDEX 399