Page 349 of 423

exhaust system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
Page 350 of 423

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.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 355 of 423

WARNING!(Continued)
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze
point or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant
of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
Page 410 of 423

Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck ................327
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................310
Jump Starting ......................... .323
Overheating .......................... .310
Towing ............................. .329
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........334
Engine ................................ .333
Air Cleaner .......................... .340
Checking Oil Level ..................... .337
Compartment ......................... .333
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................349, 381
Cooling ............................. .349
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................86, 301
Fails To Start ......................... .240
Flooded, Starting ...................... .240
Fuel Requirements ...................297, 380
Oil .......................... .337, 380, 381
Oil Change Interval ..................... .338Oil Filler Cap
......................... .339
Oil Filter ............................ .339
Oil Selection ...................... .338, 380
Overheating .......................... .310
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................339, 380
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............67
Ethanol ............................... .298
Event Data Recorder ........................71
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................86, 301
Exhaust System ....................... .86, 346
Exterior Lighting ......................... .105
Exterior Lights ............................88
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .340
Engine Oil ........................ .339, 381
Engine Oil Disposal .....................339
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .310
408 INDEX
Page 415 of 423

Vanity................................97
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................291
MOPAR Parts ........................ .336, 399
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .298
Multi-Function Control Lever .................108
Occupant Restraints ........................33
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................297
Oil, Engine ...................... .337, 380, 381
Capacity ............................ .380
Change Interval ....................... .338
Checking ............................ .337
Dipstick ............................. .337
Disposal ............................. .339
Filter ............................ .339, 381
Filter Disposal ........................ .339
Materials Added To ..................... .339
Pressure Warning Light ...................154 Recommendation
....................338, 380
Viscosity ......................... .339, 380
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .339
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .339
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .154
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................334
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .............123
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................96
Overheating, Engine ...................... .310
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,400
Paint Care ............................. .359
Panic Alarm ..............................22
Parking Brake ........................... .255
Parking On Hill ......................... .255
Passing Light ........................... .109
Pedals, Adjustable .........................115
Pets ....................................83
10
INDEX 413