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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap–if equipped. 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 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature 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 pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12° F (7° C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5
Page 278 of 440

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use
spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare
tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire,
replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity.WARNING!
The limited use spare tires are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more
than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold
tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire
placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly.
Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure
to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 290 of 440

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the
precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never
run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and
never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running
for an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an
open area with the engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh,
outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous exhaust
gases from entering the vehicle.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 306 of 440

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 331 of 440
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment 3.7L V6..............334
Engine Compartment 4.7L V-8..............335
Engine Compartment 5.7L HEMI V-8.........336
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........337
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............337
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................338
Replacement Parts......................339
Dealer Service.........................340Maintenance Procedures..................340
▫Engine Oil..........................340
▫Engine Oil Filter......................344
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................345
▫Spark Plugs.........................345
▫Ignition Cables.......................346
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................346
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................346
7
Page 332 of 440

▫Catalytic Converter....................347
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................348
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............349
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............350
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............351
▫Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........351
▫Body Lubrication.....................351
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................352
▫Windshield Washers...................352
▫Exhaust System......................353
▫Cooling System.......................354
▫Emission Related Components............359
▫Brake System........................360▫Automatic Transmission................362
▫Transfer Case........................364
▫Axles..............................365
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........365
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................366
Power Distribution Center (Fuse/Relay).......370
Fuse Block............................371
▫Interior Fuses........................371
▫Underhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............373
▫Underhood Fuses
(Integrated Power Module)..............375
Replacement Light Bulbs.................376
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 342 of 440

Frequency Of Oil Change
Road conditions and your style of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine ifANYapply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing, Taxi, Police or delivery service (com-
mercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
4x4 Models, If Used Primarily For Off-Road Operation
Every 50 hours of use.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
engine air cleaner and the crankcase inlet air cleaner. The
crankcase ventilation system should also be checked
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 346 of 440

Ignition Cables
Replace the ignition cables (5.7L engines only) at the
mileage interval shown in the maintenance charts.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner 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 cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE