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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are three possible dipstick types,
•Crosshatched zone.
• Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
• Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
NOTE: Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 liters) of oil when the reading is at the
low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the
high end of the range marking.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield and rear window washers share the same
fluid reservoir. 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
windshield 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.
242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 271
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............252
Additives, Fuel ........................... .294
AirBag..................................119 Air Bag Operation ....................... .120
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .121
Enhanced Accident Response ................234
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................234
If A Deployment Occurs ....................126
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .121
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............127
Transporting Pets ....................... .147
Air Bag Light .......................... .83, 149
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .127
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......246
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................246
Air Conditioning Filter .......................55
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............54, 56
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............246, 247
Air Conditioning System .....................246
Air Filter ............................... .246
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .272
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................22
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................251, 296 Disposal
.............................. .254
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................96
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................87
Ashtray ..................................67
Assist, Hill Start ............................98
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .300
Auto Down Power Windows ...................58
Automatic Transaxle .........................19
Automatic Transmission ...............160, 161, 258
Adding Fluid ....................... .258, 298
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................258
Fluid Change .......................... .258
Fluid Level Check .................... .257, 258
Fluid
Type ......................... .257, 298
Special Additives ........................ .257
Auto Up Power Windows .....................58
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ..........65
Axle Lubrication .......................... .298
Battery .............................. .85, 243
Charging System Light .....................85
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Belts, Seat ............................... .149
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................247
332 INDEX
B-Pillar Location.......................... .267
Brake Assist System .........................97
Brake Fluid .............................. .298
Brake, Parking ............................ .158
Brake System ......................... .255, 290
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..........................96
Fluid Check ........................ .255, 298
Master Cylinder ........................ .255
Parking .............................. .158
Warning Light ...........................83
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................161
Bulb Replacement ......................... .197
Bulbs, Light .......................... .151, 197
Camera, Rear ............................ .177
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .296
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .178
Oil (Engine) ........................ .241, 245
Power Steering ......................... .169
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................253
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................148, 295
Cargo Area Features .........................62
Cargo Compartment .........................62
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................62 Car Washes
.............................. .285
Cellular Phone ........................... .315
Certification Label ......................... .180
Chains, Tire ............................. .282
Changing A Flat Tire .....................209, 261
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .263
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....93
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............147
Checks, Safety ............................ .147
Child Restraint ........................... .129
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .132
Child Restraints ........................ .129
Child Seat Installation ..................141,
145
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........138
Infants And Child Restraints ................131
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............136
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......134
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........131
Seating Positions ........................ .133
Cigar Lighter ..............................67
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .293
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .281
Climate Control ............................49
12
INDEX 333
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)...........88, 101
Traction Control ........................ .100
Turn Signal ......................... .91, 151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) .....85, 91
Loading Vehicle ....................... .180, 181
Capacities ............................. .181
Tires................................. .267
Locks ....................................23
Door ..................................23
Low Tire Pressure System .....................101
Lubrication, Body ......................... .247
Lug Nuts ............................... .290
Maintenance Free Battery .....................243
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .237
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ......89, 93
Manual, Service ........................... .330
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .....................255
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................29
Memory Seat ..............................29
Memory Seats And Radio .....................29
Methanol ............................... .293
Mirrors ..................................38
Electric Powered ..........................40
Electric Remote ...........................40 Exterior Folding
..........................39
Outside ................................38
Rearview ...............................38
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................101
Mopar Parts ............................. .329
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................41
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................157
Occupant Restraints ........................ .106
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............292, 297
Oil, Engine ........................... .244, 297
Capacity .............................. .296
Change Interval ........................ .244
Checking ............................. .242
Dipstick .............................. .242
Disposal .............................. .245
Filter ............................. .246,
297
Filter Disposal .......................... .245
Identification Logo ...................... .244
Materials Added To ...................... .245
Pressure Warning Light .....................86
Recommendation .....................244, 296
Synthetic ............................. .245
338 INDEX
SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline) ......................... .297
Oil.................................. .297
Speed Control Accel/Decel ........................... .172
Cancel ............................... .172
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .................170
Starting ................................ .155
Automatic Transmission ....................155
Cold Weather .......................... .155
Engine Fails To Start ..................... .156
Steering ..................................37
Power ............................ .168, 169
Tilt Column .............................37
Wheel, Tilt ..............................37
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .................314
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . . .314
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .54, 284
Storing Your Vehicle ....................... .284
Sun Visor Extension .........................41
Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag ..........119
Sway Control, Trailer ....................... .101
Synthetic Engine Oil ....................... .245
Telescoping Steering Column ...................37 Tie Down Hooks, Cargo
.......................62
Tilt Steering Column .........................37
Tire And Loading Information Placard ............267
Tire Markings ............................ .262
Tires......................... .151, 271, 278, 283
Aging (Life Of Tires) ..................... .275
Air Pressure ........................... .271
Chains ............................... .282
Changing .......................... .209, 261
Compact Spare ......................... .279
General Information ...................271, 278
High Speed ............................ .273
Inflation Pressures ....................... .272
Jacking ........................... .209, 261
Life Of Tires ........................... .275
Load
Capacity ...................... .267, 268
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............101
Pressure Warning Light .....................88
Quality Grading ........................ .283
Radial ............................... .273
Replacement ........................... .276
Rotation .............................. .282
Safety ............................ .261, 271
Sizes ................................ .263
Snow Tires ............................ .278
12
INDEX 341