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.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Push the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If
the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but donot crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is
not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is readyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 in the instrument clus-
ter. This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
tow, and 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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The
350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Car Washes............................ .381
Cellular Phone .......................... .203
Certification Label ........................ .289
Chains, Tire ............................ .274
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .252
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .355
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............64
Checks, Safety ............................64
Child Restraint ............................54
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................59
Child Restraints .........................54
Infants And Child Restraints ................57
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........57
Cigar Lighter ........................... .121
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .283
Climate Control ......................... .204
Manual ............................. .204
Cold Weather Operation ....................221 Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance
..............202
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .269
Console, Overhead ........................116
Contract, Service ......................... .422
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........374
Cooling System .......................... .370
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............372
Coolant Capacity ...................... .405
Coolant Level ..................... .371, 375
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................374
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................371
Inspection ........................... .375
Points To Remember .....................375
Pressure Cap ......................... .374
Radiator Cap ......................... .374
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......371, 405, 406
Corrosion Protection ...................... .380
Cruise Light ......................... .159, 160
Cupholders ......................... .122, 386
432 INDEX
Introduction..............................4
Jump Starting ........................... .338
Key-In Reminder ..........................14
Key, Replacement ..........................15
Keys ...................................11
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ....................14
Lane Change Assist ........................95
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................28
Latches .................................68
Lead Free Gasoline ....................... .282
Leaks, Fluid ..............................68
Life Of Tires ............................ .272
Light Bulbs .......................... .68, 399
Lights ............................... .68, 92
AirBag .........................50, 66, 134
Brake Assist Warning ....................247 Brake Warning
........................ .142
Bulb Replacement ...................... .401
Cruise ........................... .159, 160
Daytime Running ........................94
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...............92, 95
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....247
Engine Temperature Warning ...............138
Exterior ...............................68
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................309
Headlights .............................93
High Beam ............................95
Illuminated Entry ........................17
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .........153
Park ............................. .95, 158
Passing ...............................95
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .133
Service .............................. .401
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............148
Traction Control ....................... .247
10
INDEX 437
Turn Signal..................... .68, 92, 157
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .138, 157
Loading Vehicle ...................... .289, 291
Capacities ........................... .291
Tires ............................... .257
Locks Automatic Door .........................22
Door .................................20
Lubrication, Body ........................ .368
Lug Nuts .............................. .310
Maintenance Free Battery ....................364
Maintenance Procedures ....................357
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .410
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . .153, 355
Manual, Service ......................... .424
Methanol .............................. .283
Mirrors .................................72
Electric Remote .........................73 Exterior Folding
.........................73
Heated ...............................74
Outside ...............................72
Rearview ..............................72
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................277
MOPAR Parts ........................ .357, 423
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .283
Multi-Function Control Lever .................92
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................63
Occupant Restraints ........................24
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................282
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .165
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................165
Oil, Engine ......................... .358, 406
Capacity ............................ .405
Change Interval ....................... .359
438 INDEX
Trailer Towing........................ .299
Tread Wear Indicators ....................271
Tire Safety Information .....................251
Tire Service Kit . . . .312, 313, 314, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................296
Torque Converter Clutch ....................233
Towing ............................ .292, 347
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .347
Guide .............................. .296
Recreational .......................... .305
Weight .............................. .296
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........305
Traction ............................ .234, 235
Traction Control ......................... .243
Traction Control Switch .....................243
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................248
Trailer Towing .......................... .292
Cooling System Tips .....................305
Hitches ............................. .295Minimum Requirements
..................297
Tips................................ .304
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................296
Wiring .............................. .301
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .296
Trailer Weight ........................... .296
Transaxle Automatic .............................12
Transmission Automatic ........................... .222
Fluid ............................ .378, 408
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .19
Transporting Pets ..........................63
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .271
Turn Signals ............................ .157
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................425
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .282
10
INDEX 443