TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.
1. Pull the bottom of the RED hood release lever,located on the left kick panel, rearward.
2. Rotate the safety catch under the front edge of the hood, near the center, and raise the hood. 3. Lift the hood prop rod that clips to the right side (left
side when standing in front of the hood) of the
engine compartment. Place the hood prop rod in the
hole of hood hinge to secure the hood in the open
position.
Hood Release Lever
Hood Safety Latch Location
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should
be lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease,
such as MOPAR Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to
the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latch-
ing components to ensure proper function. When per-
forming other underhood services, the hood latch,
release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned
and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and
a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumu-
lations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always
use washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt
or dirt from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice
from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these condi-
tions are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. Riding the brakes may also reduce
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bringthe fluid level up to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to
both the brake system and the clutch release system.
The two systems are separated in the reservoir, and a
leak in one system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system should not
require fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle.
If the brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system
does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be
a result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system.
See your local authorized dealer for service.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Underhood Fuses
The Front Distribution Unit is located on the right side
of the engine compartment, next to the battery. To
access the fuses, press the release tabs and remove the
cover.
The ID number of the electrical component correspond-
ing to each fuse can be found on the back of the cover.
Front Distribution Unit
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
Ethanol............................ .239
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ....................242
Gasoline ........................... .239
Materials Added ...................... .241
Methanol ........................... .239
Octane Rating ........................ .239
Requirements ........................ .239
Specifications ........................ .308
Tank Capacity ....................... .308
Fueling .............................. .242
Fuses ................................ .299
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............242, 243
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... .239
Gasoline (Fuel) ...................... .239, 308
Gasoline, Reformulated ....................239
Gear Ranges ........................... .191
Gear Select Lever Override .................263
General Information ..................... .238
General Maintenance ..................... .273
Glass Cleaning ......................... .297
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ....................... .197Headlights
..............................82
Cleaning ........................... .297
Switch ...............................82
Head Restraints ..........................78
Heated Mirrors ...........................73
Heated Seats ............................77
Hill Start Assist ........................ .205
Holder, Cup ........................... .101
Hood Release ............................80
Ignition .................................9
Key .................................9
Ignition Key Removal .......................9
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................11
Instrument Cluster ....................124, 137
Instrument Cluster ..................109, 117
Instrument Cluster Display Instrument Cluster Display ...............139
Instr
ument Panel And Controls ..............107
Instrument Panel Cover ....................298
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ..............298
Interior Appearance Care ...................296
Interior Lighting ..........................84
Introduction .............................4
328 INDEX
Windows.............................19
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ..............29
Pretensioners Seat Belts .............................30
Radial Ply Tires ........................ .221
Radio Frequency General Information ..................12, 17
Radio Operation ........................ .167
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ......................20
Rear Window Features ....................103
Recreational Towing ..................... .244
Reformulated Gasoline ....................239
Refrigerant ............................ .278
Release, Hood ...........................80
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................23
Remote Keyless Entry Disarm The Alarm ......................12
Power Convertible Top Function ............13
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........166
Replacement Bulbs ...................... .304
Replacement Keys .........................11
Replacement Parts ....................... .272
Replacement Tires ....................... .228
Reporting Safety Defects ...................321 Restraint, Head
..........................78
Restraints, Child ..........................44
Rotation, Tires ......................... .230
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle .................61
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................64
Safety Defects, Reporting ...................321
Safety, Exhaust Gas ........................61
Safety Information, Tire ....................210
Safety Tips ..............................60
Schedule, Maintenance ....................312
Seat Belt Energy Management Feature ...............30
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ..............26
Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................24
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ..............28
Pregnant Women .......................29
Seat Belt Extender ......................29
Seat Belt Pretensioner ....................30
Seat Belt Reminder ......................23
Seat Belt Maintenance .....................298
Seat Belt Reminder ........................
23
Seat Belts ........................... .23, 61
Child Restraint .........................44
Extender .............................29
10
INDEX 331