Page 426 of 587

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.0L And 2.4L Engine
These engines are designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide opti-
mum fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded “Regu-
lar” gasoline having a posted octane num-
ber of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of
higher octane “Premium” gasoline is not required, as it
will not provide any benefit over “Regular” gasoline in
these engines.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of
87, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not
a cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard
making a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer imme-
diately. Use of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause engine failure and may void or not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid-
ering service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide im-
proved performance and durability of engine and fuel
system components.
424 STARTING AND OPERATING 
     
        
        Page 428 of 587

MMT In Gasoline
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT)
is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emissions system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal
and California reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines
that have these additives will help improve fuel
economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle perfor-
mance. Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline con-
tains a higher level of detergents to further aide in
minimizing engine and fuel system deposits. When avail-
able the usage of Top Tier Detergent gasoline is recom-
mended. Visit www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should
be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum
and varnish removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket
and diaphragm materials.
426 STARTING AND OPERATING 
     
        
        Page 429 of 587

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine per-
formance and damage the emissions control sys-
tem.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate ser-
vice. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentrations
of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such
fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 427 
     
        
        Page 540 of 587
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent meeting the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.
Engine Oil We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA US Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR,
Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
538 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 572 of 587

Fluid Capacities......................... .537
Fluid Leaks ............................ .101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .....................519
Automatic Transmission ..................517
Cooling System ........................ .507
Power Steering ........................ .369
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........538
Fog Lights .......................... .166, 536
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .160
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan) ...................160
Four Wheel Drive ..................... .240, 359
Systems ............................. .359
Four Wheel Drive Operation .................359
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................479
Fuel .................................. .424
Adding ............................. .428
Additives ............................ .426
Capacity ............................ .537Clean Air
............................ .424
Ethanol ............................. .425
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................428
Gasoline ............................. .424
Gauge .............................. .240
Materials Added ....................... .426
Methanol ............................ .425
Octane Rating ..................... .424, 538
Requirements ......................... .424
Tank Capacity ......................... .537
Fueling ............................... .428
Fuses ................................. .528
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ..........181, 189
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .............428, 430, 491
Gasoline, Clean Air ....................... .424
Gasoline (Fuel) ....................... .424,
 537
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................424
570 INDEX 
     
        
        Page 576 of 587

Lug Nuts.............................. .452
Lumbar Support ......................... .155
Maintenance Free Battery ....................499
Maintenance Procedures ....................494
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .544
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . .232, 492
Manual, Service ......................... .560
Manual Transaxle Fluid Level Check ...................520, 521
Lubricant Selection ..................... .521
Manual Transmission ...................338, 520
Fluid Level Check ...................... .520
Frequency Of Fluid Change ................520
Lubricant Selection ...................520, 540
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .169
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................514
Methanol .............................. .425
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .246Mirrors
............................... .108
Automatic Dimming .....................108
Electric Powered ........................110
Exterior Folding ........................110
Heated ...............................111
Outside ............................. .109
Rearview ............................ .108
Vanity ...............................111
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................414
MOPAR Parts ........................ .493, 559
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .425
Multi-Function Control Lever .................164
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................39
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................424
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .251
574 INDEX