FUEL REQUIREMENTS
1.4L Engine LA
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations, provide satisfactory
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. For optimum performance and
fuel economy the use of “Premium” 91 octane gasoline or
higher is recommended.
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”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are specifi-
cally blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Properly
blended reformulated gasoline will provide improved perfor-
mance and durability of engine and fuel system components.
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 Gasoline
contains a higher level of detergents to
further aide in minimizing engine and fuel
system deposits. When available, the usage
of TOP TIER Detergent gasoline is recom-
mended. Visit www.toptiergas.com for a
list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers. 9TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 287
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. 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 an 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. 9TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 289
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs – 1.4L LA Engine We recommend you use Mopar Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 1.4L LA Engine 91 Octane Recommended – 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15% Ethanol.
CAUTION!• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is differ-
ent and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (anti-
freeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is
introduced into the cooling system in an emergency,
the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed,
and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming
to MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. (Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.292 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .291
Fog Lights ............................. .37, 39
Fold-Flat Seats .............................26
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .224
Fuel ................................... .287
Adding .............................. .186
Additives ............................. .287
Capacity .............................. .290
Clean Air ............................. .287
Ethanol .............................. .288
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .186
Gasoline .............................. .287
Gauge .................................89
Materials Added ........................ .287
Methanol ............................. .288
Octane Rating .......................... .287
Requirements .......................... .287
Specifications .......................... .291
Tank Capacity .......................... .290
Fueling ................................. .186
Fuses .................................. .200
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ................ .186, 187
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .287
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................ .287, 290 Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .287
Gauges
Fuel ...................................89
Gear Ranges ............................. .170
Gear Select Lever Override ................... .223
General Information .....................112,308
Glass Cleaning ........................... .282
GVWR ................................. .188
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water ......................... .191
Headlights ............................. .37, 38
Cleaning .............................. .278
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...........37
Lights On Reminder ....................... 37
Passing ............................. .37, 38
Switch ............................. .37, 38
Time Delay ..............................37
Head Restraints ............................31
Heated Mirrors ......................... .34, 37
Heated Seats ...............................29
Hill Start Assist ........................... .102
Hood Prop ................................63
Hood Release ..............................63326 INDEX
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