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 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. 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 belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds for a bulb check when the ignition is first cycledto ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 every fuel stop. The best time to
check the oil level is approximately five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add
oil only when the level is below the SAFE mark.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
0W-40 or equivalent engine oil.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.At Each Stop For Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
• Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Caps, FillerOil (Engine) .......................... .342
Power Steering ........................ .260
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................355
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................87, 306
Car Washes ............................ .362
Chains, Tire ............................ .295
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .273
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .337
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............86
Checks, Safety ............................86
Child Restraint ............................73
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................78
Child Restraints .........................73
Infants And Child Restraints ................76
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................79
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........76Using The Top Tether Anchorage
.............82
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .303
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .363
Windshield Wiper Blades ..................348
Climate Control ......................... .212
Clutch Fluid ............................ .361
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .289
Contract, Service ......................... .401
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........355
Cooling System .......................... .352
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............354
Coolant Capacity ...................... .384
Coolant Level ..................... .352, 356
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................356
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................353
Inspection ........................... .356
Points To Remember .....................357
Pressure Cap ......................... .355
410 INDEX
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........159
Emergency Brake ........................ .261
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................331
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................314
Jump Starting ......................... .327
Overheating .......................... .314
Towing ............................. .332
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........337
Engine ................................ .335
Air Cleaner .......................... .343
Checking Oil Level ..................... .341
Compartment ......................... .335
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................352, 385
Cooling ............................. .352
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................87, 306
Fails To Start ......................... .246
Flooded, Starting ...................... .246
Fuel Requirements ...................302, 384 Oil ..........................
.341, 384, 385
Oil Change Interval ..................... .341
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .342
Oil Filter ............................ .342
Oil Selection ...................... .341, 384
Overheating .......................... .314
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................342, 384
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............68
Ethanol ............................... .303
Event Data Recorder ........................72
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................87, 306
Exhaust System ....................... .87, 349
Exterior Lighting ......................... .108
Exterior Lights ............................89
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .343
Engine Oil ........................ .342, 385
Engine Oil Disposal .....................342
412 INDEX
Rearview..............................94
Vanity ................................99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................296
MOPAR Parts ........................ .339, 403
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .303
Multi-Function Control Lever .................111
Occupant Restraints ........................34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................302
Oil, Engine ...................... .341, 384, 385
Capacity ............................ .384
Change Interval ....................... .341
Checking ............................ .341
Dipstick ............................. .341
Disposal ............................. .342
Filter ............................ .342, 385
Filter Disposal ........................ .342
Materials Added To ..................... .342Pressure Warning Light
...................158
Recommendation ....................341, 384
Viscosity ......................... .342, 384
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .342
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .343
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .158
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................336
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .............126
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................98
Overheating, Engine ...................... .314
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,404
Paint Care ............................. .362
Panic Alarm ..............................23
Parking Brake ........................... .261
Parking On Hill ......................... .261
Passing Light ............................112
Pedals, Adjustable .........................118
10
INDEX 417