
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check fuel cap” message will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in ”Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound 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 light
off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
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 replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined 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 follow-
ing:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277

3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things willhappen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return
to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is not readyand you should notproceed
to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off posi-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD II system is readyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle
as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to ensure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera-
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available
which include detailed service information for your ve-
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any
procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.
278 MAINTAINING 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 applica-
tion 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 latching components to ensure
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-
vices, 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 accumulations
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 depending
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance of blades may be present with chattering, marks,
water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions are
present, clean the wiper blades or replace as necessary.
Wiper Service Position
If it is necessary to lift the blade from the windshield (In the
event of snow or blade replacement) Proceed as directed:
1. Rotate the end of the multifunction lever to the OFF position.
2. Turn the ignition to the MAR-ON position then to STOP.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285

3. After turning the ignition to the STOP, within twominutes move the right stalk upward, into the unstable
(“anti-panic”) position, for at least half of a second. The
windshield wiper then executes part of a stroke; at each
command, approximately 1/3 of a normal wiper stroke
is triggered.
NOTE: The previous operation can be repeated up to three
times. In order to move the blades to the most suitable
position.
4. Lift the blade from the windshield and proceed with the required operation.
5. Carefully lower the blade, bringing it back in contact with the windshield.
6. Bring the blade to the initial rest position, turning the ignition to MAR-ON.
NOTE: Do not operate the screen wiper with the blades
lifted from the windshield.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the engine
compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate
the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe clean
the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumula-
tion of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Underhood Fuses
The Front Distribution Unit is located on the right side of
the engine compartment, next to the battery. To access the
fuses, remove fasteners and remove the cover. The ID number of the electrical component corresponding
to each fuse can be found on the back of the cover.
Cavity
Maxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F01 60 Amp Blue –Body Controller
F02 40 Amp Orange –Rear Power Windows, Fog Lamps, Front
Heated Seats (If Equipped)
F02 30 Amp Green –Rear Power Windows, Front Heated Seats
(If Equipped)
F02 30 Amp Green –Fog Lamps, Front Heated Seats (If
Equipped)
Front Distribution Unit
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301

CavityMaxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F02 20 Amp Yellow –Front Heated Seats
F03 20 Amp Yellow –Ignition Switch
F04 40 Amp Orange –BSM System Module
F06 20 Amp Yellow –Radiator Fan - Low Speed
F07 50 Amp Red –Radiator Fan - High Speed
F08 40 Amp Orange –Blower Motor
F10 –10 Amp Red Horn
F11 –15 Amp Blue Secondary Loads ECM
F14 –15 Amp Blue High Beam
F16 –5 Amp Tan ECM and Transmission Shifter
F17 –25 Amp Clear ECM Power Loads
F18 –5 Amp Tan ECM Load, Main Relay
F19 –7.5 Amp Brown Air Conditioning
F20 –30 Amp Green Rear Defroster
F21 –5 Amp Tan Key Unlock
F22 –10 Amp Red Primary ECM Loads
F23 –20 Amp Yellow BSM System
F24 –5 Amp Tan BSM System, Positive Key and Steering
Angle Sensor
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fog Lights............................ .89, 143
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................244
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .266
Fuel ................................... .226
Additives ............................. .228
Clean Air ............................. .226
Ethanol .............................. .226
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .229
Gasoline .............................. .226
Light ................................ .137
Materials Added ........................ .228
Methanol ............................. .226
Octane Rating ....................... .226, 314
Requirements .......................... .226
Specifications .......................... .314
Tank Capacity .......................... .313
Fuses .................................. .300
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................229, 277
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .226
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................... .226
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .226
Gear Ranges ............................. .183
Gear Select Lever Override ....................269
General Information .....................161, 225 Glass Cleaning
........................... .299
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................231, 233
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...............231, 233
Guide, Body Builders .........................6
GVWR ................................. .231
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ......................... .189
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................... .244
Headlights ................................87
Cleaning .............................. .299
Passing ................................88
Head Restraints ............................82
Heated
Mirrors ............................112
Heated Seats ...............................81
Heater, Engine Block ....................... .180
Hill Start Assist ........................... .196
Hitches Trailer Towing .......................... .234
Holder, Cup ............................. .106
Hood Release ..............................85
Ignition ..................................11
Key ...................................11
334 INDEX