Page 11 of 424
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys..................14
▫Ignition Key..........................14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................16
Sentry Key Immobilizer System..............16
▫Important Note About Service.............17
▫Replacement Keys......................17
▫Customer Key Programming..............18
▫General Information....................18
Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped..........19▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......19
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........19
Illuminated Entry........................19
Doors And Door Locks....................20
▫Manual Door Locks.....................21
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped..........23
▫Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped.......23
▫Child Protection Locks..................24
Remote Keyless Entry.....................25
2
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▫Front Seat Adjustment — Recline..........109
▫Head Restraints......................110
▫Power Seat Adjuster — If Equipped........111
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped.............112
▫65/35 Split Folding Rear Seat.............113
To Open And Close The Hood.............116
Lights...............................117
▫Interior Lights.......................117
▫Front Map/Reading Lights..............118
▫Multi-Function Control Lever.............118
▫Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, And
Headlights..........................119
▫High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......119▫Passing Light........................119
▫Turn Signals.........................119
▫Lights-On Reminder...................120
▫Battery Saver Feature — Exterior Lights.....120
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............120
▫Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped.....120
▫Light Bar — If Equipped................121
Windshield Wipers And Washers............123
▫Windshield Washers...................124
▫Mist Feature.........................125
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............125
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............125
Tilt Steering Column....................126
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 177 of 424

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these “ap-
parent” malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer will
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
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After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may
cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You
might not have full braking power when you need it
to prevent an accident. If you have been operating
your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes
checked and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
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▫Maintenance-Free Battery................320
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............321
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............322
▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................322
▫Body Lubrication.....................323
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................323
▫Windshield Washers...................324
▫Exhaust System......................324
▫Cooling System.......................325
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......330
▫Brake System........................330
▫Automatic Transmission................333▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid —
Manual Transmission..................335
▫Manual Transmission..................335
▫Transfer Case........................336
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................337
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................337
Fuse Panel...........................342
▫Interior Fuses........................342
▫Underhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............345
Vehicle Storage........................349
Replacement Bulbs......................350
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 322 of 424

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
“DaimlerChrysler Dealership.”
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
U-joints (cardan joints) are sealed and do not require
lubrication. Prop shafts, yokes, ball joints and other
driveline and steering components may be provided with
grease fittings for lubrication. Lubrication of these com-
ponents at the intervals specified in the appropriate
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 331 of 424

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
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Page 358 of 424
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MoparManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Axle Differential (Front) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) MoparSynthetic Gear Lubricant (SAE 75W-90) or equivalent. For trailer
towing, the lubricant should be replaced with MoparSynthetic Gear &
Axle Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-
Lok™ require a limited-slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE