driving. 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.EXAMPLE ONLY Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2054 lbs
(932 kg)1805 lbs
(819 kg )
Load (Including driver, pas-
sengers, and cargo)271 lbs
(123 kg)579 lbs
(263 kg)
Total 2325 lbs
(1055 kg)2384 lbs
(1081 kg)
GAWR 2546 lbs
(1155 kg)2708 lbs
(1228 kg)
NOTE:Refer to the ªVehicle Certification Labelº at-
tached to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs. This table is only an example.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5
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 ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº 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.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.
NOTE:
²
Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder Ð Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With discbrakes, 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 ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
²Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARtDOT 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285
7
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
1ÐÐÐ
2ÐÐÐ
3 Ð 15 Amp
BlueAdjustable Pedals - if
equipped
4 Ð 20 Amp
YellowAC Clutch/Horn
5ÐÐÐ
6 Ð 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module
(FCM)
7 Ð 20 Amp
YellowFog Lights
8 Ð 15 Amp
BlueLights ± License, Park,
Side Marker, Stop, Turn
9 Ð 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module
(FCM)
10 Ð 5 Amp
OrangePowertrain Control
Module (PCM)/StarterCavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
11 Ð 25 Amp
ClearAuto Shutdown/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
12ÐÐÐ
13ÐÐÐ
14 Ð 25 Amp
ClearPowertrain Control
Module (PCM)
15 Ð 20 Amp
YellowInjectors, Ignition Coils
16ÐÐÐ
17 30 Amp
PinkÐ Anti-lock Brakes System
(ABS) Valves/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
18 30 Amp
PinkÐ Windshield Wiper/
Washer
19 50 Amp
RedÐ Radiator Fan
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
20 20 Amp
BlueÐ Starter
21 50 Amp
RedÐ Anti-lock Brakes System
(ABS) Pump Motor
22 40 Amp
GreenÐ AC Clutch/Radiator Fan
High Ð Low
23ÐÐÐ
24 60 Amp
YellowÐ Radiator Fan
25 30 Amp
PinkÐ Front Control Module
(FCM)
26ÐÐÐ
27 30 Amp
PinkÐ Front Control Module
(FCM)CAUTION!
²When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in an electrical
system failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)
There is also a power distribution center located in the
rear compartment under the spare tire access panel. This
center contains fuses and relays.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
7
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
17 Ð 20 Amp
YellowCluster
18 Ð 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 Ð 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20ÐÐÐ
21ÐÐÐ
22ÐÐÐ
23ÐÐÐ
24ÐÐÐ
25ÐÐÐ
26ÐÐÐ
27 Ð 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Airbag Control
Module (ACM)
28 Ð 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if
equippedCavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
29 Ð 5 Amp
OrangeAnti-lock Brakes
Module/Cluster/Front
Control Module (FCM)/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Sentry
Key Remote Keyless
Entry/Stop Lights
30 Ð 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power
Mirrors - if equipped/
Steering Control Module
31ÐÐÐ
32ÐÐÐ
33ÐÐÐ
34ÐÐÐ
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7
Fluid Type.......................... 306
Shifting............................ 196
Special Additives..................... 287
Autostick..........................198,200
Ball Joints............................ 276
Battery............................... 273
Emergency Starting.................... 254
Jump Starting........................ 254
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 19
Location.........................255,273
Bearings.............................. 287
Belts, Drive........................... 270
Belts, Seat............................. 29
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 276
B-Pillar Location....................... 217
Brake Assist System..................... 209
Brake Control System, Electronic........... 208
Brake, Parking......................... 203
Brake System.......................204,284
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................204,208
Fluid Check......................285,306
Hoses.............................. 284Master Cylinder...................... 285
Parking............................ 203
Warning Light....................128,204
Brakes............................... 204
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 195
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 54
Bulb Replacement...................... 299
Bulbs, Light........................... 298
Calibration, Compass.................... 136
Capacities, Fluid....................... 304
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 240
Oil (Engine)......................... 269
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 281
Car Washes........................... 288
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............55,240
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 173
Catalytic Converter..................... 271
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............144,151
Cellular Phone.......................... 65
Chains, Tire........................... 227
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 214
INDEX 337
10
Pets.................................. 54
Phone, Cellular......................... 65
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............ 65
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 218
Power
Brakes............................. 204
Distribution Center (Fuses).............. 291
Door Locks.......................... 21
Mirrors............................. 64
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 112
Seats............................... 84
Steering.........................207,276
Steering, Checking.................... 276
Sunroof............................ 109
Windows............................ 24
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 36
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 34
Programmable Electronic Features....105,108,140
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry)..........................19,105,108
Radial Ply Tires........................ 224Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 281
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 143
Radio, Navigation...................... 162
Radio Operation..................144,151,174
Radio Remote Controls.................. 171
Radio, Satellite......................163,167
Radio (Sound Systems)................144,151
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 88
Rear Window Defroster.................. 185
Rear Window Features................... 185
Rearview Mirrors........................ 62
Reclining Front Seats..................... 85
Recorder, Event Data..................... 45
Recreational Towing..................... 246
Reformulated Gasoline................... 238
Refrigerant............................ 275
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 34
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 17
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 171
Remote Trunk Release.................... 27
Replacement Parts...................... 266
Replacement Tires...................... 226
Reporting Safety Defects................. 331
INDEX 345
10