Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the “Recirculate” icon button to return to
outside air. Some temp./humidity conditions will cause
captured interior air to condense on windows and ham-
per visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
“Recirculate” to be selected while in the defrost or
defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use the recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Material Standard MS-6395. Use Moparor an equiva-
lent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
Engine Oil Selection - Diesel Engines
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-11106 or Mercedes Benz MB 229.51
and ACEA C3 qualified engine oils
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Moparor an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L Engines)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your local authorized dealer, ser-
vice 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 with a new filter
at every oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Moparengine oil filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service.
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts and tensioner should be checked for condition.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing, or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also, check belt routing to make sure there is no inter-
ference between the belts and other engine components.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be to the bottom of the oil fill hole.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be 1/2” (1 cm) below the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
found, the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the filler plug located on the back side of the
transfer case. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge
of the filler plug hole when the vehicle is in a level
position.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole until it runs out of the hole
when the vehicle is in a level position.
Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug. Recom-
mended tightening torque for drain and fill plugs is
15–25 ft. lbs (20–34 N·m).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., assure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use MoparTouch Up Paint on scratches or chips as
soon as possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up
paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To removeheavy soil, use MoparWheel Cleaner or select a non-
abrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads,
steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only Mo-
parcleaners are recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
Interior Care
Use MoparTotal Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with MoparTotal Clean, then
MoparSpot & Stain Remover if absolutely necessary. Do
not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use MoparTotal
Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
Leather Seat Care & Cleaning
MoparTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
7
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil (3.7L/4.7L/5.7L Engines) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.0L Diesel Engines) Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-11106 or Mercedes Benz
MB 229.51 and ACEA C3 qualified engine oils.
Oil Filter (3.7/4.7/5.7L Gasoline Engines) MoparOil Filter (P/N 05281090)
Oil Filter (3.0L Diesel Engines) MoparOil Filter (P/N 05175571AA)
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine
compartment.
Fuel Selection (3.7L and 4.7L Engines) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (5.7L Engines) 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended
Fuel Selection (3.0L Diesel Engines) Use only the best quality fuel with a calculated Cetane Index of 50 or
higher. In addition, the manufacturer recommends using diesel fuel with a
sulfur content ofless than 350 ppm.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE