FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.4L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide optimum
fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “Regular”
gasoline having a posted octane number
of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2
method. The use of higher octane “Pre-
mium” gasoline is not required, as it will not provide any
benefit over “Regular” gasoline in these engines.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning
gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”. Reformu-
lated gasoline contains oxygenates and are specifically
blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide improved
performance and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxygen-
ates such as ethanol.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing methanol or gasoline
containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15). Use of these
blends may result in starting and drivability problems,
damage critical fuel system components, cause emis-
sions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light” to illuminate. Please ob-
serve pump labels as they should clearly communicate if
a fuel contains greater than 15% ethanol (E-15).
226 STARTING AND OPERATING
Problems that result from using gasoline containing more
than 15% ethanol (E-15) or gasoline containing methanol
are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may
void or not be covered under New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Modifications that allow the engine to run on compressed
natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LP) may result in
damage to the engine, emissions, and fuel system compo-
nents. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and many void
or not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible with gasoline
containing up to 15% ethanol (E-15). Gasoline with higher
ethanol content may void the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85 fuel,
the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•Operate in a lean mode.
• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on.
• Poor engine performance. •
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
• Increased risk for fuel system component corrosion.
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications
Modifications that allow the engine to run on compressed
natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LP) may result in
damage to the engine, emissions, and fuel system compo-
nents. Problems that result from running CNG or LP are
not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MMT In Gasoline
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) is
a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended
into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended
with MMT provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gaso-
line blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and
reduces emissions system performance in some vehicles.
The manufacturer recommends that gasoline without
MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of
gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
the gasoline contains MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal
and California reformulated gasoline.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines that
have these additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle performance.Designated TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line contains a higher level of detergents
to further aide in minimizing engine
and fuel system deposits. When avail-
able, the usage of Top Tier Detergent
gasoline is recommended. Visit
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should be
avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum and
varnish removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket and dia-
phragm materials.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
• The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold
as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of
these products contain high concentrations of metha-
nol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Tech-
nology) or equivalent meeting the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032.
Engine Oil – 2.4L Engine We recommend you use SAE 0W-20 API Certified Engine
Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS-6395 such as MOPAR, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer
to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use a MOPAR Engine Oil Filter.
Spark Plugs – 2.4L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 2.4L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol.
314 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
Capacities............................. .232
Tires................................. .206
Locks ....................................17
Door ..................................17
Lubrication, Body ......................... .285
Lug Nuts ............................... .245
Maintenance Free Battery .....................282
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .279
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .318
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .142, 277
Manual, Service ........................... .327
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .....................293
Methanol ............................... .226
Mirrors ..................................75
Electric Powered ..........................77
Electric Remote ...........................77
Exterior Folding ..........................76
Outside ................................75
Rearview ...............................75
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................222
MOPAR Parts ......................... .278, 327
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .226Multi-Function Control Lever
...................87
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................66
Occupant Restraints .........................26
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............226, 314
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .127
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...................127
Oil, Engine ........................... .279, 314
Capacity .............................. .313
Change Interval ........................ .280
Checking ............................. .279
Dipstick .............................. .279
Disposal .............................. .281
Filter ............................. .282, 314
Filter Disposal .......................... .281
Identification Logo ...................... .280
Materials Added To ...................... .281
Pr
essure Warning Light ....................133
Recommendation .....................280, 313
Synthetic ............................. .281
Viscosity .......................... .281, 313
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .282
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .282
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .133
336 INDEX