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 is first placed in the ON/RUN position. 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 Restraints” 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 the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
Engine Oil
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.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
Pressure Cap........................... .292
Radiator Cap .......................... .292
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......291, 315, 316
Corrosion Protection ....................... .297
Cruise Light ..............................119
Cupholders ........................... .94, 301
Customer Assistance ....................... .326
Customer Programmable Features ...............144
Dealer Service ............................ .280
Defroster, Windshield ........................51
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................278
Dimmer Control ............................75
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .....................76
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................296
Oil (Engine) ........................... .281
Power Steering ......................... .189
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................272
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................293
Door Ajar ............................... .104
Door Ajar Light ........................... .104
Door Locks ................................17
Door Locks, Automatic .......................18 Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .187
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................59
Electronic Brake Control System ................191
Brake Assist System ...................... .193
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..........82
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............193
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........105
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................271
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Emission Control System Maintenance ............279
Engine Air Cleaner ............................ .284
Block Heater ........................... .177
Break-In Recommendations ..................49
Checking Oil Level ...................... .281
Compartment .......................... .277
Compartment
Identification .................277
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................290, 316
Cooling .............................. .290
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................50, 226
Fails To Start ........................... .176
336 INDEX
Maintenance Procedures..................... .281
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .320
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .....115,279
Manual, Service ........................... .330
Methanol ............................... .224
Mirrors ..................................58
Electric Remote ...........................59
Exterior Folding ..........................58
Heated .................................59
Outside ................................58
Rearview ...............................58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................219
MOPAR Parts ......................... .280, 329
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .224
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................74
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................49
Occupant Restraints .........................20
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................223
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .124
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...................124
Oil, Engine ........................... .281, 316
Capacity .............................. .315Change Interval
........................ .282
Checking ............................. .281
Disposal .............................. .283
Filter ............................. .283, 316
Filter Disposal .......................... .283
Identification Logo ...................... .282
Materials Added To ...................... .283
Pressure Warning Light ....................109
Recommendation .....................282, 315
Synthetic ............................. .283
Viscosity .......................... .282, 315
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .283
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .283
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .109
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................278
Operator
Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................58
Overhead Console ...........................91
Overheating, Engine ....................... .242
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,330
Paint Care ............................... .297
Parking Brake ............................ .189
ParkSense System, Rear .......................85
Passing Light ..............................76
340 INDEX