
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust 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, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation 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 even-
tually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to
“Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things To Know Before
Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance 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 involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems 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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• 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.Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or cycle the ignition switch to
the LOCK position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
Check the front of the A/C condenser/radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the face
of the condenser/radiator.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to insure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure 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 speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
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 animals 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.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..........92
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............207
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........121
Emergency Brake .......................... .202
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................259
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................246
Jump Starting .......................... .256
Overheating ........................... .246
Towing ............................... .260
Emission Control System Maintenance ............265
Engine ................................. .263
Air Cleaner ............................ .269
Checking Oil Level ...................... .267
Compartment .......................... .263
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................275, 298
Cooling .............................. .275
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................66, 238
Fails To Start ........................... .192
Flooded, Starting ........................ .192
Fuel Requirements ....................235, 298
Oil .............................. .267, 298
Oil Change Interval ...................... .268
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .268
Oil Filter .............................. .269Oil Selection
........................ .268, 298
Overheating ........................... .246
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................268, 298
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........53, 260
Ethanol ................................. .235
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................66, 238
Exhaust System ........................ .66, 274
Exterior Lighting ............................83
Exterior Lights .............................69
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .269
Air Conditioning ........................ .169
Engine
Oil ......................... .269, 298
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .268
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .246
Turn Signal ....................... .69, 85, 129
Flash-To-Pass ..............................86
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .192
Fluid Capacities ........................... .298
Fluid Leaks ...............................69
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................. .280, 300
Capacities ............................. .298
10
INDEX 317

Multi-Function Control Lever...................85
Occupant Restraints .........................25
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................235
Oil, Engine ........................... .267, 298
Capacity .............................. .298
Change Interval ........................ .268
Checking ............................. .267
Dipstick .............................. .267
Disposal .............................. .268
Filter ............................. .269, 298
Filter Disposal .......................... .268
Materials Added To ...................... .268
Pressure Warning Light ....................120
Recommendation .....................268, 298
Viscosity .......................... .268, 298
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .269
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .269
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .120
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................264
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ...............97
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................75
Overheating, Engine ....................... .246Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
............4,311
Paint Care ............................... .282
Panic Alarm ...............................18
Parking Brake ............................ .202
Parking On Hill ........................... .202
Passing Light ..............................86
Pedals, Adjustable ...........................90
Pets .....................................64
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........215, 216
Power Brakes ............................... .203
Door Locks ..............................20
Mirrors ................................76
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ............103
Steering ........................... .201, 202
Windows ...............................22
Power
Seats
Forward ................................79
Rearward ...............................79
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts .................33
Pretensioners Seat Belts ...............................33
Programming Key Fobs (Remote Keyless Entry) ......1810
INDEX 321