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Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 308 of 526

Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 327
▫Acceleration........................ 327
▫Traction........................... 328
Driving Through Water................. 328
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 329
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 329
Power Steering....................... 331
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 332
Parking Brake........................ 332
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 334
Electronic Brake Control System........... 336
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 336
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 337▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 337
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 338
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 340
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 341
Tire Safety Information................. 342
▫Tire Markings....................... 342
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 345
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 346
Tires — General Information............. 350
▫Tire Pressure....................... 350
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 351
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 353
306 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 it 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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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Page 334 of 526

Power Steering Fluid Check
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 an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering 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” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the
PARK position first and then apply the parking brake.
332 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 419 of 526
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.7L
1 — Integrated Power Module 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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Page 420 of 526
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.5L
1 — Integrated Power Module 6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Coolant Pressure Cap 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 10 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post 418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 421 of 526
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Integrated Power Module 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
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Page 473 of 526
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Oil Filter (2.7L, 3.5L, and 5.7L En-
gines)MOPAREngine Oil Filter (P/N 04884899AB) or equivalent
Fuel Selection (2.7L Engine) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5L and 5.7L En-
gines)87 Octane Acceptable — 89 Octane Recommended
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid + 4, MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
Front Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Transfer Case MOPAR(P/N 68049954AA) BW 44–40 Transfer Case Lubricant
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471
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