208SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust
system; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear
of the vehicle is damaged; have an authorized
technician inspect the complete exhaust system
and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
have the exhaust system inspected each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.
Replace as required.
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 transmis-
sion 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 compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when
diagnostic testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating 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 175.
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 seriously
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 performance, have your
vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter
and vehicle.
22_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE233
(Continued)
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.
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 judgment 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.
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.
WARNING!
8
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259
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck
...................... 196Jacking...................................................... 180Jump Starting............................................ 192Emission Control System Maintenance........... 68Engine........................................................... 202Air Cleaner................................................. 205Block Heater............................................... 70Break-In Recommendations........................ 70Checking Oil Level..................................... 203Compartment............................................ 202Compartment Identification...................... 202Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 209, 251Cooling...................................................... 209Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 175Fails To Start............................................... 70Flooded, Starting......................................... 70Fuel Requirements.......................... 248, 251Jump Starting............................................ 192Oil.................................................... 205, 251Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 202Oil Filter..................................................... 205Oil Selection.................................... 205, 251Oil Synthetic.............................................. 205Overheating............................................... 194Starting....................................................... 69Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........197Entry System, Illuminated................................ 37Ethanol.......................................................... 249Exhaust Gas Cautions.................................... 175
Exhaust System................................... 175, 208Exterior Lights.........................................32, 174
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 205Air Conditioning..................................43, 206Engine Oil........................................ 205, 251Engine Oil Disposal................................... 205FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 176Turn Signals............................................. 174Flat Tire Changing................................ 225, 237Flat Tire Stowage................................. 225, 237Flooded Engine Starting................................... 70Fluid Capacities............................................ 251Fluid Leaks................................................... 174Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission........................... 212Brake........................................................ 211Cooling System......................................... 209Engine Oil................................................. 203Fog Lights........................................................ 34Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 23Forward Collision Warning............................ 148Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 176Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 196Fuel............................................................... 248Additives................................................... 249Clean Air................................................... 249
Ethanol..................................................... 249Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................................. 108Gasoline................................................... 248Materials Added....................................... 249Methanol.................................................. 249Octane Rating.................................. 248, 251Requirements.................................. 248, 251Tank Capacity........................................... 251Fuses............................................................ 213
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...................... 108, 109Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 249Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 249GaugesFuel..............................................................62Gear Ranges....................................................75Gear Selector Override.................................. 195Glass Cleaning.............................................. 246Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 109, 111Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 109, 110GuideBody Builders................................................. 8GVWR............................................................ 109
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................... 118Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 176
11
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261
Interior
........................................................ 35Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)......... 63Park...................................................... 33, 66Passing........................................................ 33Rear Cargo Door Open Warning Light.......... 61Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 61Security Alarm............................................. 61Service...................................................... 220Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............... 151Tow Haul..................................................... 65TowingHookBreakdown............................... 64Traction Control......................................... 140Turn Signals....................................... 32, 174Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions.... 60Loading Vehicle................................... 109, 110Capacities................................................. 110Tires.......................................................... 230Locks Automatic Door.................................... 20, 22Low Tire Pressure System............................. 151Lubrication, Body........................................... 207Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 247
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................. 204Maintenance Schedule.................................. 198Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 63ManualService...................................................... 255Methanol....................................................... 249
Mirrors............................................................. 29Electric Remote........................................... 31Exterior Folding............................................ 31Heated......................................................... 32Outside........................................................ 30Rearview.............................................29, 176Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 8Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 151Mopar Parts.................................................. 255MP3 Control..................................................... 44Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 32
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 70
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 154Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 248Oil Change Indicator........................................ 56Reset........................................................... 56Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 205Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 205Oil Pressure Light............................................. 61Oil, Engine............................................ 205, 251Capacity.................................................... 251Checking................................................... 203Dipstick.................................................... 203
Disposal.................................................... 205Filter................................................ 205, 251Filter Disposal........................................... 205Identification Logo.................................... 205Materials Added To................................... 205Pressure Warning Light................................61Recommendation............................ 205, 251Synthetic................................................... 205Viscosity.................................................... 251Onboard Diagnostic System.............................67Operating Precautions.....................................67Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 255Outside Rearview Mirrors.......................... 29, 30Overheating, Engine...................................... 194
P
Paint Care..................................................... 243Parking Brake..................................................71ParkSenseFront And Rear.............................................96ParkSense System, Rear..................................96Passing Light....................................................33Passive Entry....................................................21Personal Settings.............................................58Pets............................................................... 173Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 23011
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