222SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you. In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching
odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans
-
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you Ú page 189.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn, such as
grass or leaves, and those materials that
come into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle
in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
CAUTION! (Continued)
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222
248SERVICING 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
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation 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.
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. Overinflation produces a
jarring and uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload
them.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.
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
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 248
277
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck
...................... 208Jacking...................................................... 190Jump Starting............................................ 203Emission Control System Maintenance........... 56Engine........................................................... 215Air Cleaner................................................. 219Block Heater............................................... 58Break-In Recommendations........................ 58Checking Oil Level..................................... 216Compartment............................................ 215Compartment Identification...................... 215Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 223, 268Cooling...................................................... 223Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 189Fails To Start............................................... 57Flooded, Starting......................................... 57Fuel Requirements.......................... 265, 268Jump Starting............................................ 203Oil.................................................... 218, 268Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 215Oil Filter..................................................... 219Oil Selection.................................... 218, 268Oil Synthetic.............................................. 218Overheating............................................... 206Starting....................................................... 57Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........210Entry System, Illuminated................................ 30
Ethanol......................................................... 266Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 189Exhaust System................................... 189, 221Exterior Lights.........................................26, 188
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 219Air Conditioning..................................35, 220Engine Oil........................................ 219, 268Engine Oil Disposal................................... 218FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 190Turn Signals.......................................54, 188Flat Tire Changing................................ 240, 253Flat Tire Stowage................................. 240, 253Flooded Engine Starting................................... 57Fluid Capacities............................................ 268Fluid Leaks................................................... 189Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission........................... 227Brake........................................................ 226Cooling System......................................... 223Engine Oil................................................. 216Power Steering............................................ 67Fog Lights........................................................ 27Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 15Forward Collision Warning............................ 159
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 190Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 208Fuel............................................................... 265Additives................................................... 266Clean Air................................................... 266Ethanol..................................................... 266Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................................75Gasoline................................................... 265Materials Added....................................... 266Methanol.................................................. 266Octane Rating.................................. 265, 268Requirements.................................. 265, 268Tank Capacity........................................... 268Fuses............................................................ 228
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...........................75, 76Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 266Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 266Gear Ranges....................................................62Gear Selector Override.................................. 207Glass Cleaning.............................................. 263Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 76, 78Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................76, 78GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................7611
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 277
279
Security Alarm
............................................. 50Service...................................................... 235Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............... 161Traction Control......................................... 152Turn Signals................................ 26, 54, 188Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 49, 54Loading Vehicle........................................ 76, 77Capacities................................................... 77Tires.......................................................... 245LocksAutomatic Door.................................... 14, 15Low Tire Pressure System............................. 161Lubrication, Body........................................... 221Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 264
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................. 217Maintenance Schedule.................................. 211Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 52ManualService...................................................... 274Methanol....................................................... 266Mirrors............................................................. 23Electric Remote........................................... 24Exterior Folding........................................... 24Heated........................................................ 25Outside........................................................ 24Rearview..................................................... 23
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 7Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 161Mopar Parts.................................................. 273MP3 Control..................................................... 37Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 26
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 58
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 164Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 265Oil Change Indicator........................................ 45Reset........................................................... 45Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 219Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 219Oil Pressure Light............................................. 50Oil, Engine............................................ 218, 268Capacity.................................................... 268Checking................................................... 216Dipstick.................................................... 216Disposal................................................... 218Filter................................................ 219, 268Filter Disposal........................................... 218Identification Logo.................................... 218Materials Added To.................................. 218Pressure Warning Light............................... 50Recommendation............................ 218, 268
Synthetic................................................... 218Viscosity.................................................... 268Onboard Diagnostic System.............................55Operating Precautions.....................................55Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 274Outside Rearview Mirrors.......................... 23, 24Overheating, Engine...................................... 206
P
Paint Care..................................................... 260Parking Brake..................................................59ParkSense System, Rear..................................69Passing Light....................................................26Pets............................................................... 187Phone Mode.................................................. 112Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 245PowerMirrors.........................................................24Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).................37Steering................................................66, 67Windows......................................................39Power Steering Fluid..................................... 270Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 170Preparation For Jacking....................... 190, 191
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