94 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. I nstrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this chapter for further
information.
3. S peedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. F uel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
t h
e fuel door is located. 5. T
emperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating satis
-
factorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
NOTE:
The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
w h
en the ignition is first cycled.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
o r
boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, see “Servicing And Maintenance.”
Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off
until the pointer drops back into the normal
range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.
98 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
The Trip Functions mode displays the following
information:
Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip A
since the last reset.
Shows the elapsed time traveled for Trip A
since the last reset.
Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for Trip B
since the last reset.
Shows the elapsed time traveled for Trip B
since the last reset.
Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the
l a
st reset. Elapsed time will increment when the
ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function
i s
being displayed. Push and release the right
arrow button once to clear the resettable
function.
Tire Pressure
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Tire PSI:” displays highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. Push and release
the right arrow button to view a graphic of the
vehicle with a tire pressure value at each corner
of the graphic.
Vehicle Info (Customer Information
Features)
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Vehicle Info” displays in the instrument
cluster display and push the right arrow button.
Push the up or down arrow button to scroll
through the available information displays.
Coolant Temperature
Displays the actual coolant temperature.
Oil Temperature
Displays the actual oil temperature.
Oil Pressure - If Equipped
Displays the actual oil pressure.
Transmission Temperature
Displays the actual transmission temperature.
Engine Hours
Displays the number of hours of engine operation.
Messages
Push and release the up or down arrow button
until “Messages: XX” displays highlighted in the
instrument cluster display. If there is more than
one message, pushing the right arrow button
will display a stored warning message. Push
and release the up or down arrow button if there
is more than one message to cycle through the
remaining stored messages. If there are no
messages, pushing the right arrow button will
not change the display.
Turn Menu OFF
Select from the Main Menu using the up or
down arrow button. Pushing the right arrow
button clears the menu display. Pushing any
one of the four Display control buttons will bring
the menu back.
102 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of
Emergency” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
te
mperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
i t
stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
e l
ectrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
li
ght turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
c o
rrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the Electronic
T h
rottle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle is
running, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off. If the light
remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle
will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
b r
ake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
r u
nning, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
210 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
2.4L ENGINE — IF EQUIPPED
On hot days, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot during sustained high-speed
driving or if towing a trailer up long grades. If
this happens, a HOTOIL message will flash in
the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 48
mph (77 km/h) maximum until
t h
e engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:
The maximum vehicle speed is reduced to
4 8
mph (77 km/h), you may reduce vehicle
s p
eed further as needed. Once the engine oil
temperature is reduced, you may continue to
drive normally.
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK position, you
can use the following procedure to temporarily
move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine off.
2
. F irmly apply the parking brake.
3
. O pen the center console and remove the
g
ear selector override access cover (located
in the front lower right corner of the console
storage bin).
Gear Selector Override Access Cover
4. P ress and maintain firm pressure on the
b
rake pedal. 5. I
nsert a screwdriver or similar small tool into
t
he access port, and push and hold the
override release lever forward.
Gear Selector Override Access Cover Removal
6. M ove the gear selector to the NEUTRAL
p
osition.
7. T he vehicle may then be started in
N
EUTRAL.
8. R einstall the gear selector override access
c
over.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
c o
nditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.
216
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
i n
dicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the
oil change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
v e
hicle. Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E-85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe
operating conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
s e
rviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
i
n
dicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change
is performed by someone other than an
authorized dealer, the message can be reset
by referring to the steps described under
“ I
nstrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
i n
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
1 2
months or 350 hours of engine run time,
w h
ichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
3 5
0 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, power steering, and
transmission (4-speed only) and fill as
needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 221
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure 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 engine oil
level when the engine is cold will give you an
incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
gr
ound and only when the engine is hot, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range
markings on the dipstick. Either the range
markings consist of a crosshatch zone marked
SAFE or a crosshatch zone marked with MIN at
the low end of the range and MAX at the high
end of the range. Adding 1 Quart (1 Liter) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the range
marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer and the rear window
washer share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid
reservoir is located in 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, apply
s o
me washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe
the wiper blades clean. This will help blade
performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
s y
stem 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. The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 Gallon
(4 Liters) of washer fluid when the message
“ Lo
WASH” appears in the instrument cluster.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free
battery. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:
The battery is stored in a compartment that is
lo
cated behind the left front fender and is
accessible through the wheel well. The wheel
and tire assembly do not need to be removed to
access the compartment. Remote battery termi -
nals are located in the engine compartment for
j u
mp starting. Refer to “Jump Starting Proce -
dure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
i n
formation.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling
the engine with oil will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an
increase in oil temperature. This loss of oil
pressure and increased oil temperature could
damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.
7
224 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle.
Used oil and oil filters, indiscriminately
d i
scarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer,
service station or governmental agency for
advice on how and where used oil and oil filters
can be safely discarded in your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow
ty
pe disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacement
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality
oil filters and are recommended.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in “Servicing
and Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
ma
intenance interval if applicable.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
f i
lters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air
conditioner should be checked and serviced by
an authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in the
case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near
the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so
can result in serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
y o
ur air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
e x
plode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
p e
rsonal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
234 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until
seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note
the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level
reading is only valid if there is a solid coating
of oil on both sides of the dipstick. Note that
the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole.
If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be
in the crosshatched area marked “HOT”
(between the upper two holes in the
dipstick).
If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should
be between the lower two holes in the
area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the
d i
pstick tube to bring it to the proper level. Do
not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait at least two
minutes for the oil to fully drain into the trans -
mission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
b e
low the operating temperature, the fluid level
should be between the two COLD (lower) holes
on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately
80°F (27°C). If the fluid level is correctly estab -lished at 80°F (27°C), it should be between the
HO
T (upper) reference holes when the transmis -
sion reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is
b e
st to check the level at the normal operating
temperature.
8. C heck for leaks. Release the parking brake.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in “Servicing
and Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
be
comes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the
vehicle, go to an authorized dealer or service
station.
TIRES
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the
following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder,
and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri -
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
f l
uid specifications.
Dirt and water in the transmission can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and
water from entering the transmission after
checking or replenishing fluid, make sure
that the dipstick cap is re-seated properly.