FUEL REQUIREMENTS
All engines (except 5.7L engines) are de-
signed to meet all emissions regulations and
provide excellent fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high quality unleaded
“regular” gasoline having an octane rating
of 87. The routine use of premium gasoline
is not recommended. Under normal condi-
tions the use of premium fuel will not provide a benefit
over high quality regular gasolines and in some circum-
stances may result in poorer performance.
The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane
for optimum performance.The routine use
of premium gasoline is not recommended. The use ofpremium gasoline will provide no benefit over high
quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and in some
circumstances may result in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance
and durability for your vehicle. We recommend the use
of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they
are available.
3.7L/4.7L
Engines
5.7L Engines
380 STARTING AND OPERATING
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
We strongly support the use of reformulated gasolines.
Properly blended reformulated gasolines will provide
excellent performance and durability for the engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasolines
blended with MMT provide no performance advantage
beyond gasolines of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT reduce spark plug
STARTING AND OPERATING 381
5
•When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
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
monoxide, 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 383
5
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.
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 456 for more information.)
STARTING AND OPERATING 387
5
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
Starting............................. 388
Flooded Engine Starting................... 303
Fluid, Brake........................... 515
Fluid Capacities......................... 512
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 480
Brake............................... 476
Power Steering........................ 464
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 514
Fog Lights.......................168,233,502
Fold Flat Load Floor..................... 210
Four Wheel Drive....................... 316
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 420
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 442
Front Axle (Differential)................... 477
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 482
Fuel................................. 380
Adding............................. 384
Filter............................... 459Gauge.............................. 235
Hoses.............................. 474
Octane Rating......................380,514
Requirements......................380,512
System Hoses......................... 474
Tank Capacity........................ 512
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuses................................ 492
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............385,450
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 380
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 381
Gauges............................... 227
Coolant Temperature.................... 229
Fuel................................ 235
Oil Pressure.......................... 228
Speedometer......................... 228
Tachometer.......................... 227
INDEX 555
10
Lug Nuts............................. 432
Lumbar Support........................ 152
Maintenance........................... 453
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 461
Maintenance Procedures................... 453
Maintenance Schedule.................... 518
Schedule “A”......................... 534
Schedule “B”......................... 521
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 451
Manual, Service......................... 546
Manual Transmission...............312,314,479
Fluid Level Check...................... 479
Lubricant Selection..................479,515
Shift Speeds.......................... 314
Mirrors............................... 121
Automatic Dimming.................... 122
Electric Powered....................... 123
Outside............................. 122Rearview............................ 121
Trailer Towing.....................124,404
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................452,545
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 357
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 169
Navigation Radio........................ 274
Navigation System....................... 274
Noise Control
Maintenance.......................... 483
Tampering Prohibited................483,484
Noise Emission Warranty.................. 485
Occupant Restraints.....................33,72
Occupant Restraints
(1500 Standard and Quad Cab Only)........... 33
Occupant Restraints (2500/3500/Mega Cab Only) . . 72
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 380
INDEX 559
10