The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
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 switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. 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 Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” 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 your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
192 SAFETY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING ..................279
▫ Maintenance Plan .......................280
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................284
▫ 2.0L Engine ..........................284
▫ 2.4L Engine ..........................285
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................286
▫ Cooling System ........................286
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................287
DEALER SERVICE .......................287
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .288
▫ Engine Oil Filter .......................289
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............289
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................291
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .292▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................292
▫ Exhaust System ........................293
▫ Cooling System ........................294
▫ Brake System ........................ .299
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........301
▫ Automatic Transmission (Six-Speed) — If
Equipped ............................301
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If Equipped . .302
▫ Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) — AWD/4WD Models
Only ...............................304
▫ Power Transfer Unit (PTU) — AWD/4WD Models
Only ...............................304
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................305
TIRES ............................... .305
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................305
8
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 fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight. Checking
engine oil level when the engine is cold will give you an
incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone which depicts the MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at the low
end of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the
full end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine will
cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil pressure
and an increase in oil temperature. This could damage
your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill cap is replaced
and tightened after adding oil.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition switch to
the OFF position. The fan is temperature controlled
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.
286 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Gear Ranges........................ .206, 211
Special Additives .....................301, 303
Axle Fluid ...............................342
Battery ..................................114
Charging System Light .....................114
Belts, Seat ............................... .192
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................292
B-Pillar Location .......................... .309
Brake Assist System ........................ .132
Brake Fluid ...............................342
Brake, Parking ............................ .200
Brakes ................................. .332
Brake System ..........................299, 332
Master Cylinder ........................ .299
Parking ...............................200
Warning Light ...........................112
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................205
Bulb Replacement ..........................245
Bulbs, Light .......................... .194, 245
Calibration, Compass ........................108
Camera, Rear ............................ .219
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........339
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .339Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .221
Oil (Engine) ..................... .284, 285, 288
Power Steering ..........................215
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................297
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................191, 338
Cargo Area Cover ...........................75
Cargo Area Features .........................75
Cargo Compartment .........................75
Light ..................................75
Luggage Carrier ..........................92
Cargo Light ...............................75
Cargo Load Floor ...........................76
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................77
Car Washes ...............................326
Cellular Phone ........................ .371, 401
Center High
Mounted Stop Light ...............247
Certification Label ..........................222
Chains, Tire ............................. .323
Changing A Flat Tire .....................251, 305
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .127
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............191
Checks, Safety ............................ .191
Child Restraint ............................174
12
INDEX 413
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.....................47
Dipsticks Power Steering ..........................215
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................298
Door Locks Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors .......32
Door Locks ..............................29
KeyFob................................29
Remote ................................29
Remote Keyless Entry ......................29
Door Locks, Automatic .......................30
Door Opener, Garage .........................78
Downshifting ............................ .204
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................35
Driving ................................. .236
Off-Pavement .......................... .236
Off-Road ............................. .236
Electrical Power Outlets .......................89
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................46
Electronic Brake Control System ................131
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................130
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................138
Traction Control System ....................134 Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.........216
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............134
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........115
Emergency, In Case Of Jacking ............................251, 305
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Towing ............................... .274
Emission Control System Maintenance ............127
Engine ...............................284, 285
Air Cleaner ............................ .291
Block Heater ............................199
Break-In Recommendations .................199
Checking Oil Level .......................286
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................287, 295, 340
Cooling ............................286, 294
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................191, 338
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Oil ............................288, 339, 340
Oil
Filler Cap .....................284, 285, 288
Oil Filter ...............................289
Oil Selection ............................288
Oil Synthetic ............................289
Overheating ............................270
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........173, 276
Ethanol ................................. .335
12
INDEX 415
Automatic Door..........................30
Child Protection ..........................32
Door ..................................29
Power Door .............................30
Lubrication, Body ..........................292
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) .....................92
Lug Nuts ............................... .333
Lumbar Support ............................35
Maintenance Schedule .......................279
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .....116,127
Manual, Service ............................409
Manual Transaxle Fluid Level Check ........................304
Manual Transmission ........................301
Fluid Level Check ........................301
Frequency Of Fluid Change .................301
Lubricant Selection .................301, 304, 342
Map/Reading Lights .........................50
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .....................299
Methanol ............................... .335
Mini-Trip Computer ........................ .109
Mirrors ..................................44
Automatic Dimming .......................44
Electric Powered ..........................46 Exterior Folding
..........................45
Heated .................................46
Outside ................................45
Rearview ...............................44
Vanity .................................46
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................140
MOPAR Parts ............................ .409
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................199
Occupant Restraints ........................ .147
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................335
Oil, Engine ........................288, 339, 340
Capacity ...............................339
Change Interval ........................ .288
Checking ............................. .286
Disposal ...............................289
Filter ............................. .289, 340
Filter Disposal .......................... .289
Identification
Logo.......................288
Materials Added To .......................289
Pressure Warning Light ....................114
Recommendation .....................288, 339
Synthetic ............................. .289
12
INDEX 419