
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.
• Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN and
the MAX ends 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.
238 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires
may look properly inflated even when they are under-
inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-
perature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 267

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............248
Additives, Fuel ........................... .290
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ........................113
Driver Knee Air Bag ......................114
Enhanced Accident Response .............120, 229
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................229
FrontAirBag ...........................111
If Deployment Occurs .....................119
Knee Impact Bolsters ......................114
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............121
Maintenance ........................... .121
Transporting Pets ....................... .142
Air Bag Light .......................... .74, 143
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......242
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................242
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ................242, 243
Air Conditioner System ..................... .242
Air Conditioning Filter .......................53
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............52, 54
Air Filter ............................... .242
Air Pressure Tires................................. .267
Alarm Security Alarm ...........................22 Alterations/Modifications
Vehicle .................................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................247, 292
Disposal .............................. .249
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................88
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................78
Assist, Hill Start ............................90
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .296
Auto Down Power Windows ...................55
Automatic Transmission ..................154, 156
Adding Fluid ....................... .253, 294
Fluid And Filter Change ...................253
Fluid Change .......................... .253
Fluid Level Check .....................252, 253
Fluid Type ......................... .252, 294
Special Additives ........................ .253
Auto Up Power Windows .....................56
Auxiliary
Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ..........63
Axle Fluid .............................. .294
Battery .............................. .76, 239
Charging System Light .....................76
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Belts, Seat ............................... .143
Body Builders Guide ..........................5
326 INDEX

Body Mechanism Lubrication..................243
B-Pillar Location .......................... .262
Brake Assist System .........................89
Brake Fluid .............................. .294
Brake, Parking ............................ .152
Brake System ......................... .250, 286
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..........................88
Fluid Check ........................ .251, 294
Master Cylinder ........................ .251
Parking .............................. .152
Warning Light ...........................74
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................155
Bulb Replacement ......................... .191
Bulbs, Light .......................... .145, 191
Camera, Rear ............................ .171
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .292
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .172
Oil (Engine) ........................ .237, 241
Power Steering ......................... .163
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................249
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................143, 291
Cargo Area Cover ...........................60
Cargo Compartment .........................60 Cargo Tie-Downs
...........................60
Car Washes .............................. .280
Cellular Phone ........................... .310
Certification Label ......................... .174
Chains, Tire ............................. .277
Changing A Flat Tire .....................204, 256
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .258
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....84
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............142
Checks, Safety ............................ .142
Child Restraint ........................... .122
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .126
Child Seat Installation ..................136,
140
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt ........133
Infant And Child Restraints .................124
Locating The LATCH Anchorages .............131
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......128
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........125
Seating Positions ........................ .127
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .289
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .276
Climate Control ............................48
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .149
12
INDEX 327

Service............................... .191
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..............93
Traction Control ..........................92
Turn Signals ......................... .82, 145
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions ......76, 82
Loading Vehicle ....................... .174, 175
Capacities ............................. .175
Tires................................. .262
Locks Power Door .............................23
Low Tire Pressure System .....................93
Lubrication, Body ......................... .243
Lug Nuts/Bolts ....................... .286, 287
Maintenance Free Battery .....................239
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .233
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ......80, 84
Manual Service ............................... .324
Master Cylinder Brakes ............................... .251
Methanol ............................... .289
Mirrors ..................................38
Electric Powered ..........................39
Electric Remote ...........................39 Exterior Folding
..........................39
Outside ................................38
Rearview ...............................38
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle .................................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................93
Mopar Parts ............................. .323
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................152
Occupant Restraints .........................98
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............288, 292
Oil, Engine ........................... .240, 292
Capacity .............................. .292
Change Interval ........................ .240
Checking ............................. .238
Dipstick .............................. .238
Disposal .............................. .241
Filter ............................. .241, 292
Filter Disposal .......................... .241
Identification
Logo...................... .240
Materials Added To ...................... .241
Pressure Warning Light .....................77
Recommendation .....................240, 292
Synthetic ............................. .241
332 INDEX