WARNING!
The ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
driven wheel. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is
applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is
reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
This system complements the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) by optimizing the vehicle braking capability dur-
ing emergency braking maneuvers. This system detects
an emergency braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking
distances.
Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS
assistance. To receive the benefits of this system, you
must apply continuous brake pedal pressure during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
5
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely beforedriving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
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 Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
10 — 5 Amp
OrangePowertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Starter
11 — 25 Amp
ClearAuto Shutdown/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
12 — — —
13 — — —
14 — 25 Amp
ClearPowertrain Control
Module (PCM)
15 — 20 Amp
yellowInjectors, Ignition Coils
16 — — —
17 30 Amp
Pink— Anti-lock Brakes System
(ABS) Valves/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
18 30 Amp
Pink— Windshield Wiper/
WasherCavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
19 50 Amp
Red— Radiator Fan
20 20 Amp
Blue— Starter
21 50 Amp
Red— Anti-lock Brakes System
(ABS) Pump Motor
22 40 Amp
Green— AC Clutch/Radiator Fan
High — Low
23 50 Amp
Red— High Intensity Lighting
(HID)
24 60 Amp
Yellow— Radiator Fan
25 30 Amp
Pink— Front Control Module
(FCM)
26 — — —
27 30 Amp
Pink— Front Control Module
(FCM)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
26 — — —
27 — 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Airbag Control
Module (ACM)
28 — 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if
equipped
29 — 5 Amp
OrangeAnti-lock Brakes
Module/Cluster/Front
Control Module (FCM)/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Sentry
Key Remote Keyless
Entry/Stop Lights
30 — 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power
Mirrors - if equipped/
Steering Control Module
31 — — —
32 — — —
33 — — —
34 — — —Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
35 — 5 Amp
OrangeAmplifier - if equipped/
Antenna/Ignition
Delay/Overhead
Console/Passenger Door
Lock & Express Power
Window Switch - if
equipped/Power Mir-
rors - if equipped/Rain
Sensor - if equipped/
Rear Defrost
36 — 20 Amp
YellowHands Free Phone - if
equipped/Media System
Monitor DVD - if
equipped/Radio/
Satellite Receiver - if
equipped
37 — 15 Amp
BlueTransmission - NAG1
38 — 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Cargo
Light/Overhead Con-
sole
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Shifting............................ 203
Special Additives..................... 295
Autostick ..........................205,207
BallJoints ............................ 284
Battery ............................... 281
Emergency Starting.................... 262
JumpStarting ........................ 262
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 19
Location.........................263,281
Bearings.............................. 295
Belts,Drive ........................... 278
Belts, Seat............................. 30
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 284
B-Pillar Location....................... 225
Brake Assist System..................... 215
Brake Control System, Electronic........... 214
Brake, Parking......................... 210
Brake System....................... 211,292
Anti-Lock (ABS)................... 211,214
Fluid Check......................293,315
Hoses.............................. 292
Master Cylinder...................... 293Parking............................ 210
Warning Light.....................138,211
Brakes............................... 211
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 202
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 55
Bulb Replacement...................... 307
Bulbs,Light ........................... 307
Calibration, Compass.................... 149
Capacities, Fluid....................... 313
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 249
Oil (Engine)......................... 277
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 289
Car Washes........................... 296
Carbon Monoxide Warning............. 56,248
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 181
Catalytic Converter..................... 279
CD (Compact Disc) Player................ 159
Cellular Phone.......................... 66
Chains, Tire........................... 235
Chart,TireSizing ....................... 222
INDEX 347
10
Overhead Console...................... 115
Overheating, Engine..................... 256
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 341
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Park Assist System, Rear................. 112
Parking Brake......................... 210
Parking On Hill........................ 210
Passing Light........................... 99
Pedals, Adjustable...................... 108
Personal Settings....................... 153
Pets .................................. 55
Phone, Cellular......................... 66
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 66
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 225
Power
Brakes............................. 211
Distribution Center (Fuses).............. 300
Door Locks.......................... 21
Mirrors ............................. 64
Outlet(AuxiliaryElectricalOutlet) ........ 124
Seats............................... 85
Steering.........................213,284Steering, Checking.................... 284
Sunroof............................ 121
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 107
Windows............................ 25
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 37
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 35
Programmable Electronic Features..... 117,120,153
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)............. 19,117,120
Radial Ply Tires........................ 232
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 289
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 158
Radio, Navigation...................... 170
Radio Operation.....................159,183
Radio Remote Controls.................. 179
Radio, Satellite......................171,176
Radio (Sound Systems)................... 159
Rain Sensitive Wiper System.............. 102
Rear Park Assist System.................. 112
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 89
Rear Window Defroster.................. 191
INDEX 355
10