Page 403 of 568

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
5
Page 445 of 568
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment— 3.7L/4.7L...........448
Engine Compartment— 5.7L...............449
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........450
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............450
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................451
Replacement Parts......................452
Dealer Service.........................453
Maintenance Procedures..................453▫Engine Oil..........................454
▫Engine Oil Filter......................457
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 458
▫Spark Plugs.........................458
▫Spark Plug Wires.....................458
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................459
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................459
▫Catalytic Converter....................459
▫Emission-Related Components............461
7
Page 457 of 568

operating temperatures. These engine oils improve 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
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) tothe engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457
7
Page 459 of 568

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 conditions, the
filter element should be inspected periodically and replaced
if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) 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 induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) 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.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
7
Page 512 of 568
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
3.7L/4.7L
5.7L
1500 Shortbed Models 26 gal. 98L
1500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
1500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
2500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
3500 Shortbed Models 34 gal. 128L
3500 Longbed Models 35 gal. 132L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.7L Engine V-6 (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5.0 qts. 4.7L
4.7L Engine V-8 (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6.0 qts. 5.7L
512 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 514 of 568
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
3.7/4.7L Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil (For trucks operat-
ing under a gross combined
weight ratinglessthan 14,000 lbs.)Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
5.7L Engine Oil (For 2500/3500
trucks operating under a gross
combined weight ratinggreater
than 14,000 lbs.)Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (all except 5.7L) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method, Mid-Grade Preferred (87 Octane acceptable)
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 520 of 568

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate Drivetrain/Steering/Suspension Grease Fit-
tings (if equipped)
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints/U— joints (if equipped) and
front suspension components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting (2500/3500, 4X4).
520 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 550 of 568

Adding Fuel........................... 384
Adjustable Pedals....................... 174
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 459,484
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 463
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............463,464
Air Conditioning System................286,463
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 289
Air Pressure, Tires....................367,375
Airbag..........................47,54,86,92
Airbag Light......................57,219,228
Airbag On/Off Switch...................54,92
Airbag, Side............................ 95
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,230
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 374
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 279
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........470,471,512
Disposal............................ 472Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............341,344
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............232,342
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System.....................18,230
Appearance Care........................ 487
Ashtray............................... 198
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 122
Automatic Transaxle...................... 12
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 481
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 482
Fluid Level Check...................... 480
Fluid Type........................480,515
Shift Indicator........................ 230
Shifting............................. 307
Special Additives...................... 482
Axle Fluid..........................477,515
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 477
550 INDEX