
Air Bag Warning Light
The air bags must be ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. The Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC) monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
AVV/START or MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position. If the
ignition switch is in the STOP/OFF/LOCK position the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power
or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight sec-
onds for a self-check when the ignition switch is in the
MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position. After the self-check,
the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or
continuously. A single chime will sound to alert you if
the light comes on again after initial startup. The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a mal-
function is detected that could affect the air bag system.
The diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunc-
tion. While the air bag system is designed to be main-
tenance free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
•
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first in the MAR/ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four
to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently
or remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In this condi-
tion the air bags may not be ready to inflate for your
protection. Have an authorized dealer service the air
bag system immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41 

Service – If Equipped
This function allows you to display the information
about mileage intervals for servicing your car.
To view this information, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly push and release theMENUbutton to enter
the Main MENU.
2. Push and release the UP
orDOWNarrow
button to select Service. Push and release the
MENU button, push and release the UP
or
DOWN
arrow button to reset.
NOTE: IMPORTANT The “Scheduled Servicing Plan”
includes car maintenance at fixed intervals.
This is displayed automatically, with ignition key at
MAR-ON, before servicing or, where provided, 30 days
before servicing.
Headlight Adjustment – If Equipped
When this function is activated the cluster will display
the headlight adjustment features.
Service Submenu Display
Headlight Adjustment Submenu Display
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could result in
civil penalties being assessed against you.
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 the requiredmaintenance
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 per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized 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 mainte-
nance intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in
these components 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 procedure.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273 

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil is recommended for
all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves
low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
Do not add any supplemental materials, other than leak
detection dyes, to the engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be im-
paired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil
and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to
the environment. Contact your authorized dealer, ser-
vice station or governmental agency for advice on how
and where used oil and oil filters can be safely dis-
carded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dis-
posable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consid-
erably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine oil filters
are high quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section for the proper maintenance
intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275 

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 

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. This means that
service is required for your vehicle. Operating condi-
tions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely
hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage
will influence when the “Change Oil” message is dis-
played. 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 indica-
tor message after completing the scheduled oil change.
If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone
other than your authorized dealer, the message can be
reset by referring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals 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.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
312 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Replace accessory drive belt and tensioner. X
Replace the timing belt. X
(**) The spark plug change interval is mileage based
only, yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to
perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your
vehicle could result in a component malfunction
and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 315 

Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . .131, 271
Manual, Service........................ .321
Manual Transmission ..................186, 291
Fluid Level Check ..................... .292
Frequency Of Fluid Change ...............292
Lubricant Selection ..................291, 310
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ...................290
Methanol ............................. .239
Mirrors ................................71
Automatic Dimming .....................71
Electric Powered .......................72
Heated ..............................73
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ..............6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ...............232
MTBE/ETBE .......................... .239
Multi-Function Control Lever ................82
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................60
Occupant Restraints .......................21
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ...............239
Oil, Engine ........................ .274, 308
Capacity ........................... .308
Change Interval ...................... .274
Checking ........................... .274Disposal
............................ .275
Filter .............................. .275
Filter Disposal ....................... .275
Pressure Warning Light ..................124
Recommendation ...................274, 308
Viscosity ........................... .275
Oil Filter, Change ....................... .275
Oil Filter, Selection ...................... .275
Oil Pressure Light ....................... .124
Onboard Diagnostic System .................270
Operating Precautions .....................270
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............4
Overheating, Engine ..................... .248
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,321
Paint Care ............................ .293
Parking
Brake .......................... .200
Pets ...................................59
Placard, Tire And Loading Information .........216
Power Door Locks ...........................18
Mirrors ..............................72
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........99
Steering ............................ .199
Sunroof ..............................97
330 INDEX