Page 277 of 472

build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
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        Page 278 of 472
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING 
     
        
        Page 352 of 472

▫Maintenance-Free Battery................370
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............371
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............372
▫Body Lubrication.....................374
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................374
▫Windshield Washers — Front And Rear.....374
▫Exhaust System......................375
▫Cooling System.......................376
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......381
▫Fuel System Connections................382
▫Brake System........................382
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................385
▫Transfer Case........................385▫Automatic Transmission................386
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................389
Fuse Panel...........................393
▫Interior Fuses........................393
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)............................396
▫Underhood Fuses (Integrated Power
Module)............................399
Vehicle Storage........................400
Replacement Bulbs......................401
Bulb Replacement......................402
▫Head Light..........................402
▫Front Turn Signal.....................403
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 372 of 472

cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt condition should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information Book for
additional warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Fluid Check
The power steering system requires the use of Mopar
Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid (P/N
05142893AA), or equivalent, which meets
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10838.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 373 of 472

CAUTION!
Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or
other types of power steering fluids when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
“DaimlerChrysler Dealership.”
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
NOTE:Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal, and does not in
any way damage the steering system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
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        Page 383 of 472

Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
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        Page 409 of 472
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case (3.7L Engine Only) MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MoparNV 247/245 Transfer Case Lubricant
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MoparSynthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or
equivalent with friction modifier additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir This system requires the use of MoparHydraulic System Power Steering
Fluid (P/N 05142893AA) or equivalent, which meets DaimlerChrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-10838.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
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        Page 455 of 472

CruiseLight ........................... 181
CupHolder ............................ 158
Customer Assistance..................... 444
Data Recorder, Event...................... 52
Daytime Running Lights................... 116
Dealer Service.......................... 361
Defroster, Rear Window................... 165
Defroster, Windshield................ 66,234,240
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 358
Diesel Engine Maintenance................. 433
Diesel Fuel............................ 312
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 312
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 118
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 386
Oil (Engine).......................... 362
Power Steering........................ 372
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 350Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 365
Used Engine Fluids..................... 365
Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 146
DriveBelts ............................ 366
Driving ............................... 268
Off-Pavement......................... 268
Off-Road............................ 268
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 225
E-85 Fuel............................. 309
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 75
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 156
Electronic Brake Control System............. 129
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 133
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 181
INDEX 455
10