
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat
belt or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, 2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 101

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as once a month. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 quart (.95
liters) of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the
“SAFE” range will result in an oil level at the top of the
“SAFE” range on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN.
The manufacturer recommends the use of Pennzoil Ultra
0W-40 engine or equivalent MOPAR oil meeting the FCA
Material Standard MS-12633 for use in all operating
temperatures.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 531

Brake Assist System...................... .438
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............435
Brake Fluid ......................... .583, 585
Brake, Parking .......................... .432
Brakes ................................ .435
Brake System ........................ .435, 550
Fluid Check ....................550, 583, 585
Master Cylinder ....................... .550
Parking ............................. .432
Warning Light ..................... .259, 435
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................406
Braking ............................... .296
SRT ................................ .296
Braking Distance ......................... .296
SRT ................................ .296
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................161
Bulb Replacement ..................... .576, 578
Bulbs, Light ......................... .103, 576Camera, Rear
........................... .219
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .581
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .531
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................547
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............100, 485
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................489
Car Washes ............................ .555
Certification Label ........................ .489
Chains, Tire ............................ .473
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .451
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .527
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............100
Checks, Safety .......................... .100
Child Restraint ............................76
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................80
Center Seat LATCH ......................89
Child Restraints .........................76
612 INDEX

Electric Remote Mirrors.....................122
Electronic Brake Control System ...............435
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................436
Electronic Roll Mitigation .................447
Traction Control System ...................442
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......562
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control). . .170, 171, 174
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............442
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........265
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................45
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................513
Jump Starting ...................... .508, 511
Overheating .......................... .494
Emergency Trunk Release ....................45
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........527
Engine ............................. .524, 525
Air Cleaner .......................... .534
Block Heater ......................... .403Checking Oil Level
..................... .531
Compartment ......................... .525
Compartment Identification ................524
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............544, 583, 584
Cooling ............................. .544
Exhaust Gas Caution .................100, 485
Fails To Start ......................... .402
Flooded, Starting ...................... .402
Fuel Requirements ..................... .481
Jump Starting ...................... .508, 511
Oil....................... .531, 581, 583, 584
Oil Change Interval ..................... .531
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .531
Oil Filter ............................ .533
Oil Selection ...................... .531, 581
Overheating .......................... .494
Starting ............................. .399
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .531
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
10
INDEX 615

Maintenance Procedures....................530
Maintenance Schedule ...................588, 590
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . .269, 527
Manual, Service ......................... .604
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................550
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ...............145
Memory Seat ........................... .145
Memory Seats And Radio ...................145
Methanol .............................. .482
Mirrors ................................112
Electric Powered ....................... .122
Electric Remote ........................ .122
Exterior Folding ....................... .120
Heated .............................. .122
Outside ............................. .120
Rearview .............................112
Vanity .............................. .123
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................474MOPAR Parts
........................ .529, 603
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .482
Multi-Function Control Lever .................156
Occupant Restraints ........................46
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .........481, 583, 584
Oil, Engine ....................289, 531, 583, 584
Capacity ............................ .581
Change Interval ....................... .531
Checking ............................ .531
Dipstick ............................. .531
Disposal ............................. .533
Filter ........................ .533, 583, 584
Filter Disposal ........................ .533
Materials Added To ..................... .532
Pressure Warning Light ...................264
Recommendation ....................531, 581
Viscosity ......................... .531, 581
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .533
10
INDEX 621