vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust 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 web-
bing, 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 is first
placed in the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not
on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This light will illuminate with a single
chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has
been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If
the light comes on intermittently or remains on while
driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” for further
information.
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 footwell 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
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 month. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
with electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio
antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instrument
that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or cloth that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution may beused, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth. Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning
loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft
cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
FUSES
WARNING!
• When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
(Continued)
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Emergency, In Case OfHazard Warning Flasher ...................414
Jacking ............................... .425
Jump Starting .......................... .435
Overheating ........................... .414
Towing ............................... .442
Emergency Trunk Release .....................35
Emission Control System Maintenance ............452
Engine .............................. .449, 450
Air Cleaner ............................ .457
Block Heater ........................... .346
Break-In Recommendations ..................81
Checking Oil Level ...................... .454
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .501
Cooling .............................. .464
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................82, 403
Fails To Start ........................... .345
Flooded, Starting ........................ .345
Fuel Requirements ....................... .400
Jump Starting .......................... .435
Oil ........................... .454, 500, 501
Oil Filler Cap .....................449, 450, 456
Oil Filter .............................. .457
Oil Selection ........................ .455, 500
Oil Synthetic ........................... .456Overheating
........................... .414
Starting .............................. .344
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .456
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................456
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........63, 445
Entry System, Illuminated .....................16
Ethanol ............................. .400, 403
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................82, 403
Exhaust System ........................ .82, 463
Exterior Lighting ....................... .122, 494
Exterior Lights ......................... .85, 494
Filters Air
Cleaner ............................ .457
Air Conditioning .....................320, 459
Engine Oil ......................... .457, 501
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .457
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .414
Turn Signal ....................85, 126, 267, 492
Flash-To-Pass ............................ .127
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ......................... .405
Engine Oil ............................ .404
Fuel Requirements ....................403, 404
524 INDEX
Monitor, Tire Pressure System..................394
MOPAR Parts ......................... .453, 515
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .400
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................126
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................81
Occupant Restraints .........................36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............400, 501
Oil, Engine ........................... .454, 501
Capacity .............................. .500
Change Interval ........................ .455
Checking ............................. .454
Dipstick .............................. .454
Disposal .............................. .457
Filter ............................. .457, 501
Filter Disposal .......................... .457
Identification Logo ...................... .455
Materials Added To ...................... .457
Pressure Warning Light ....................252
Recommendation .....................455, 500
Synthetic ............................. .456
Viscosity .......................... .456, 500
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .457
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .457Oil Pressure Light
......................... .252
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................451
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ...............213
Operating Precautions ...................... .451
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................98
Overhead Console ......................... .210
Overheating, Engine ....................... .414
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,516
Paint Care ............................... .472
Panic Alarm ...............................19
Parking Brake ............................ .359
ParkSense System, Rear .................. .168, 175
Passing
Light ............................ .127
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .322
Pets .....................................81
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........380
Power Brakes ............................... .364
Deck Lid Release .........................34
Door Locks ..............................25
Mirrors ............................... .100
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........227, 229
Sunroof ........................... .220, 223
10
INDEX 529