Page 106 of 536

•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds
up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide open throttle acceleration in low gear. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality, energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with the anticipated cli-
matic conditions under which vehicle operation will
occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
discussed in Section 7 under Maintenance Procedures,
Engine Oil.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and is not an indication of difficulty.
106 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 364 of 536

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 90°F,
you may experience hard starting and rough idle follow-
ing start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil. (See page 433 for more information.)
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In the range
of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an increase in the time
it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in
drivability (sags and/or hesitations) until the engine is
fully warmed up.
364 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 434 of 536

Engine Oil Identification (API) Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil. This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
For 3.7L/4.7L engines SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. For the 5.7L
engine SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your
engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, use
onlythose oils that are API Certified
and meet the SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service
schedule that describes your driving type.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 452 of 536

Clutch Linkage
If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the
clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. Refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the correct
lubricant type.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct Fluid type. For normal service, periodic fluid level
checks are not required. When the vehicle is serviced for
other reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected
inspect the fluid level.
This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer’s C205F HD Front
Axles. The fluid level should be 5/8” (16 mm) below on
9 1/4” Manufacturer’s Rear Axles. For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level should be
1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the
9.25” Front and 3/4”± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 10.5”
Rear axles. The 11.5” Rear Axle level should be 1/4” ±
1/4” (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Drain and Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or to provide the correct viscosity grade, drain
and refill.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 527 of 536

Multi-Function Control Lever............... 166
Noise Control Maintenance .......................... 458
Tampering Prohibited ................458,459
Noise Emission Warranty .................. 460
Occupant Restraints ..................... 30,67
Occupant Restraints
(1500 Standard and Quad Cab Only) ........... 30
Occupant Restraints (2500/3500/Mega Cab Only) . . 67
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 356
Odometer .......................... 222,226
Trip ............................. 222,226
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 394
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 394
Oil, Engine ......................... 431,485
Capacity ............................ 483
Change Interval ....................... 432 Dipstick
............................. 431
Disposal ............................ 435
Filter ............................ 435,485
Filter Disposal ........................ 435
Identification Logo ..................... 434
Materials Added to ..................... 434
Pressure Gauge ....................... 220
Recommendation ................... 433,483
Synthetic ............................ 434
Viscosity .......................... 434,483
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 428
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 183
Operating Precautions .................... 428
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 117
Overdrive ............................. 301
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 301
Overhead Console .................... 175,176
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 176
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 514
INDEX 527
10