
CAUTION!(Continued)
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-
market cap can cause the “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. It
may cause the MIL to turn on and could cause a
fire.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full. •
Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
• If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel has been added, the vehicle diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose,
improperly installed, or damaged. If the system detects
a malfunction, the “gASCAP” message will display in
the odometer display. Tighten the gas cap until a
clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. 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
off.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 243

6. Remove the wheel bolts and pull the wheel off thehub. For vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels,
the center caps must be removed to remove the
wheel bolts. For vehicles equipped with steel wheels
the wheel covers must be removed to remove the
wheel bolts.
WARNING!
•To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not fully tighten the wheel bolts until the
vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this
warning may result in serious injury.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the
wheel covers with care to avoid contact with any
sharp edges.
CAUTION!
Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem
facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if
the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
7. Install the spare wheel and hand start the wheel bolts. Make sure to align the pins on the hub with the
small holes on the wheel. Lightly tighten the bolts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the bolts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
9. Finish tightening the wheel bolts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased
leverage. Tighten the wheel bolts in a star pattern
until each bolt has been tightened twice. For the
correct wheel bolt torque refer to Torque Specifica-
tions in this section. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench
by your authorized dealership or service station.
10. Disassemble the jack and tools and place them in the bag. Stow it under the driver’s seat and secure
the bag to the floor with the straps attached to the
floor of the vehicle.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the
vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare
tire in the places provided.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 265

3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jackhandle counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the wheel bolts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased
leverage. Refer to “Torque Specifications” in this
section for correct wheel bolt torque.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the wheel bolt torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all wheel bolts
are properly seated against the wheel.
6. Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with the valve stem on the wheel. Install the cover by hand.
Do not use a hammer or excessive force to install the
cover.
Vehicles Without Wheel Covers
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining wheel bolts with the coneshaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly
tighten the wheel bolts.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the vehicle
has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in serious injury.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the wheel bolts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased
leverage. Refer to “Torque Specifications” in this
section for correct wheel bolt torque.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the wheel bolt torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all wheel bolts
are properly seated against the wheel.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 267

Preparations For Jump-Start
The battery in your vehicle is located between the left
front headlight assembly and the left front wheel splash
shield.
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadver-
tent electrical contact. You could be seriously
injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmis- sion into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary elec- trical accessories.
3. Remove the protective cover over the positive (+)
battery post. To remove the cover, push the locking
tab and pull upward on the cover.
Battery Posts
1 — Positive (+) Post (Covered With Protective Cap)
2 — Negative (-) Post
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 269

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 auto-
matic transmission control systems. When these sys-
tems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide
excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current government regu-
lations.
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. Although 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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
The vehicle must be serviced before any emis-
sions 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.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emis-
sions controls. Authorized service technicians may need
to access this information to assist with the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port
in order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
(Continued)
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” section.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control sys-
tem. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Main-
tenance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunc-
tion 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
replacement. If the OBD II system should be deter-
mined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
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 do not crank or start the engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281

•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
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
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnor-
mally 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 bring
the 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.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents,
suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic,
painted, or decorated surfaces of the interior may
cause permanent damage. Wipe away immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage caused by these type of products may not
be covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or Ke-
ton based cleaning products to clean leather seats,
as damage to the seat may result.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution
followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents,
steel wool or other aggressive material to clean the
lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR Glass Cleaner, or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive
type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear
window equipped with electric defrosters or windows
equipped with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instrument that may scratch the elements.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307