Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss
Clear Coat Wheels
CAUTION!If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty
wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or
polishing compounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH ONLY US-
ING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT
CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this is all that is
required to maintain this finish.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage:
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on Front Tires.
• Due to limited clearance, a 185/55R15 tire with a Peer-
less Super Z6 low profile traction device or equivalent is
recommended. WARNING!Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs
that could indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle. (Continued)274 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION! (Continued)• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for use. Always use the suggested
operating speed of the device manufacturer ’s if it is
less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal
rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The
benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggres-
sive tread designs such as those on all season type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,
quiet ride. Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear
should be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward cross”
shown in the following diagram. This rotation pattern does
not apply to some directional tires that must not be
reversed.
Tire Rotation 8SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 275
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established
by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manu-
facturer in each category is shown on the sidewall of the
tires on your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate. Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement, as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING!The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The Temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C276 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
corresponds to a level of performance, which all pas-
senger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel, than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21 days,
you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
• Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again. NOTE: When the vehicle has not been started or driven
for at least 30 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is
required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting The Engine”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
BODYWORK
Protection From Atmospheric Agents
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road
surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or
cold weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody protec-
tion.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resis-
tance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint
and protective coatings from your vehicle. 8SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 277
About Your Brakes ........................ .285
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............ .250
Adding Fuel ............................. .186
Adding Washing Fluid ...................... .236
Additives, Fuel ........................... .287
Air Bag
Air Bag Operation ....................... .127
Air Bag Warning Light .................... .124
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .128
Enhanced Accident Response ............ .133, 228
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................ .228
If Deployment Occurs .................... .132
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .127
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............ .136
Maintenance ........................... .136
Side Air Bags .......................... .128
Transporting Pets ....................... .153
Air Bag Light ...................... .84, 124, 155
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..... .240
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. .240
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ............... .240, 241
Air Conditioner System ..................... .240
Air Conditioning Filter ................... .55, 242
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................54
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ................. .241 Air Filter ............................... .240
Air Pressure
Tires................................. .264
Alarm
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alarm System
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... .249, 290
Capacities ............................. .290
Disposal .............................. .251
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ .100
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. .88, 93
Arming System
Security Alarm ........................... 2 2
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .296
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ .34, 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............... .231
Automatic Transmission ................. .168, 254
Adding Fluid .......................... .255
Autostick ............................. .174
Fluid And Filter Change .................. .255
Fluid Change .......................... .255
Fluid Level Check ....................... .255
Fluid Type ......................... .254, 293322 INDEX
Ignition ..................................19
Switch .................................19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ......................21
Instrument Cluster
Descriptions .............................94
Display ................................79
Instrument Cluster ........................72
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............... .282
Interior Appearance Care .................... .281
Interior Lighting ............................40
Introduction ................................4
iPod/USB/MP3 Control ..................... .308
Jack Operation ........................... .255
Jump Starting ............................ .220
Key Fob
Programming Additional Key Fobs ......... .18, 21
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ......18
Key-In Reminder ............................21
Keys ....................................16
Replacement .............................21
Sentry (Immobilizer) .......................21
Lane Change And Turn Signals .................37 Lane Change Assist ...................... .37, 40
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................116
Latches ................................. .157
Hood ..................................63
Lead Free Gasoline ........................ .287
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .157
Life Of Tires ............................. .267
Liftgate ..................................65
Liftgate (Sedan) .............................65
Light Bulbs .......................... .157, 197
Lights ............................... .38, 157
AirBag......................... .84, 124, 155
Brake Assist Warning ..................... .105
Brake Warning ...........................84
Bulb Replacement ....................... .197
Cruise .................................94
Daytime Running .........................37
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................37
Engine Temperature Warning .................86
Exterior .............................. .157
Headlights ..............................37
High Beam ..............................38
High Beam/Low Beam Select .................37
Instrument Cluster ........................37
Lights On Reminder .......................37 12 INDEX 327
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...........89
Park ............................... .39, 94
Passing ............................. .37, 38
Seat Belt Reminder ........................87
Security Alarm ...........................22
Service ............................... .197
Traction Control ........................ .105
Turn Signal ..............................40
Turn Signals ...................... .37, 94, 157
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ........86
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions ........94
Loading Vehicle ........................... .188
Tires................................. .259
Locks
Power Door .............................25
Lubrication, Body ......................... .244
Lug Nuts/Bolts ........................... .285
Maintenance Free Battery .................... .237
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .231
Maintenance Schedules ..................... .231
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... .89, 96
Manual, Service ........................... .320
Manual Transmission ................... .165, 254
Fluid Level Check ....................... .254 Frequency Of Fluid Change ................ .254
Lubricant Selection ................... .254, 293
Memory Seat ..............................29
Methanol ............................... .288
Mirrors ..................................34
Automatic Dimming ................... .34, 35
Electric Powered ..........................36
Heated ............................. .34, 37
Outside ................................34
Rearview ...............................34
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................5
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................. .106
Mopar Parts ............................. .319
MP3 Control ............................. .308
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... .37, 38
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................. .163
Occupant Restraints ......................... 1 13
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................ .287
Oil Change Indicator .........................82
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ....................82
Oil, Engine ....................... .238, 290, 291
Capacity .......................... .290, 291
Change Interval ........................ .238328 INDEX
Checking ............................. .236
Dipstick .............................. .236
Disposal .............................. .239
Filter ................................ .240
Filter Disposal .......................... .239
Identification Logo ...................... .238
Materials Added To ...................... .239
Pressure Warning Light .....................87
Recommendation .................... .238, 290
Synthetic ............................. .239
Viscosity .............................. .239
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .240
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .240
Oil Pressure Light ...........................87
Onboard Diagnostic System ....................95
Operating Precautions ........................95
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............5
Outlet
Power .................................68
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................34
Overheating, Engine ....................... .224
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........5,320
Paint Care ............................... .277
Parking Brake ............................ .164 Passing Light ..............................38
Pets ................................... .153
Placard, Tire And Loading Information .......... .259
Power
Brakes ............................... .285
Door Locks ..............................25
Mirrors ................................36
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .............68
Steering .............................. .177
Sunroof ................................57
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ............... .120
Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. .121
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .265
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ............ .251
Radio Frequency
General Information .................... .19, 22
Radio Operation .......................... .308
Rear Camera ............................. .185
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) .........................65
Recreational Towing ........................ .190
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .287
Refrigerant .............................. .241
Release, Hood ..............................63 12 INDEX 329