Page 117 of 402
WARNING!
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts
•Be sure that everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located on the left kick panel.
Primary Hood Latch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3
Page 335 of 402

Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit. After lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild, nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking and smearing.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
7
Page 344 of 402

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brakefluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
transaxle, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. Themanual
transaxleclutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake
fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” under
Section 8.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 390 of 402

Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 281
Gasoline (Fuel).......................281,360
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 282
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
Odometer........................... 168
Tachometer.......................... 165
Gearshift.............................. 237
General Information................. 18,107,279
General Maintenance..................... 322
Glass Cleaning.......................... 350
Glove Compartment...................... 154
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 288
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 287
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 80Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 252
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 302
Head Restraints......................... 110
Headlights............................ 355
Cleaning............................ 349
High Beam........................121,172
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 121
Passing............................. 121
Replacing............................ 355
Switch .............................. 118
Heated Seats........................... 111
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 290
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 115
Hoses................................ 340
388 INDEX