
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
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
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.
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 or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed, and
284 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires
may look properly inflated even when they are under-
inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-
perature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 311

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............294
Adding Fuel ............................. .219
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .285
Additives, Fuel ........................... .333
Adjust Down .................................36
Forward ................................36
Rearward ...............................36
Up....................................36
AirBag ................................ .164
Air Bag Operation ....................... .166
Air Bag Warning Light .....................163
Enhanced Accident Response .............172, 274
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................274
If A Deployment Occurs ....................171
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .167
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............173
Side Air Bags .......................... .167
Transporting Pets ....................... .188
Air Bag Light ...................... .99, 163, 190
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .173
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......289
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................287
Air Conditioning ............................55
Air Conditioning Controls .....................55 Air Conditioning Filter
....................65, 288
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............64, 66
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............287, 288
Air Conditioning System ................55, 63, 287
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................311
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..................... .101
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................27
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ..................... .357
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................293, 335
Capacities ............................. .335
Disposal .............................. .296
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................130
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................109
Assistance
Towing......................... .378
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .132
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................44
Automatic Door Locks .....................30, 31
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............63
Automatic Transaxle .........................21
Fluid Level Check ....................... .301
Automatic Transmission ............202, 203, 299, 300
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................301
Fluid Level Check ....................... .300
Fluid Type ...................... .299, 300, 338
404 INDEX

Gear Ranges........................ .204, 209
Special Additives .....................299, 301
Axle Fluid .............................. .338
Battery ................................. .102
Charging System Light ....................102
Belts, Seat ............................... .190
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................290
B-Pillar Location .......................... .306
Brake Assist System ........................ .132
Brake Fluid .............................. .338
Brake, Parking ............................ .198
Brakes ................................. .329
Brake System ......................... .297, 329
Master Cylinder ........................ .297
Parking .............................. .198
Warning Light .......................... .100
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................203
Bulb Replacement ......................... .243
Bulbs, Light .......................... .192, 243
Calibration, Compass ....................... .124
Camera, Rear ............................ .217
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........335
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .335Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .219
Oil (Engine) ..................... .282, 283, 286
Power Steering ......................... .213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................295
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................189, 334
Cargo Area Cover ...........................74
Cargo Area Features .........................74
Cargo Compartment .........................74
Light ..................................74
Luggage Carrier ..........................91
Cargo Light ...............................74
Cargo Load Floor ...........................75
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................76
Car Washes .............................. .324
Cellular
Phone........................ .367, 395
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............245
Certification Label ......................... .220
Chains, Tire ............................. .320
Changing A Flat Tire .....................249, 302
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .127
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............189
Checks, Safety ............................ .189
Child Restraint ........................... .174
12
INDEX 405

Key, Programming..........................26
Key, Replacement ...........................26
Keys ....................................19
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................25
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................245
Lane Change Assist ..........................49
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................ .150
Latches ................................. .192
Hood ..................................71
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .192
Life Of Tires ............................. .314
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer .................54
Light Bulbs .......................... .192, 243
Lights .................................. .192
AirBag......................... .99, 163, 190
Back-Up .............................. .245
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .137
Brake Warning ......................... .100
Cargo .................................74
Center Mounted Stop ..................... .245
Cruise ................................115
Daytime Running .........................47
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................47
Exterior .............................. .192Fog...............................
.48, 245
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................243
Headlights ..............................46
Headlights On With Wipers ...............49, 53
Headlight Switch .........................46
High Beam ..............................47
High Beam/Low Beam Select .................47
Instrument Cluster ........................46
Interior ................................49
License ............................... .245
Lights On Reminder .......................49
Low Fuel ............................. .109
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........104
Map Reading ............................50
Park ..................................113
Seat Belt Reminder ........................99
Security Alarm....................... .28, 101
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............105
Traction Control ........................ .137
T
urn Signal ....................48, 113, 192, 245
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .......113
Loading Vehicle ........................... .220
Tires................................. .306
Locks ....................................28
Automatic Door ..........................30
410 INDEX

Child Protection..........................32
Door ..................................28
Power Door .............................29
Lubrication, Body ......................... .290
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) .....................91
Lug Nuts ............................... .329
Lumbar Support ............................35
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .277
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .104, 127
Manual, Service ........................... .401
Manual Transaxle Fluid Level Check ....................... .302
Manual Transmission ....................... .298
Fluid Level Check ....................... .299
Frequency Of Fluid Change .................299
Lubricant Selection .................298, 301, 338
Map/Reading Lights .........................50
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .....................297
Methanol ............................... .331
Mini-Trip Computer .........................115
Mirrors ..................................43
Automatic Dimming .......................44
Electric Powered ..........................45
Exterior Folding ..........................45 Heated
.................................46
Outside ................................44
Rearview ...............................43
Vanity .................................46
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................140
MOPAR Parts ............................ .401
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................197
Occupant Restraints ........................ .147
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................331
Oil, Engine ....................... .286, 335, 336
Capacity .............................. .335
Change Interval ........................ .286
Checking ............................. .284
Disposal .............................. .287
Filter ............................. .287, 336
Filter Disposal .......................... .287
Identification
Logo...................... .286
Materials Added To ...................... .287
Pressure Warning Light ....................102
Recommendation .....................286, 335
Synthetic ............................. .287
Viscosity .............................. .286
12
INDEX 411