•ADDING FUEL ............................ 242
• Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................... 242
• Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................ 244
• TRAILER TOWING ......................... 244
• Common Towing Definitions ................. 244
• Breakaway Cable Attachment ................. 245
• Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .............. 246
• Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight .............. 246
• Towing Requirements ..................... 247
• Towing Tips ........................... 249
• RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC) . . . 251
• Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........ 251
• Recreational Towing — Quadra–Trac II /Quadra–Drive
II Four-Wheel Drive Models .................. 252
199
•Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a
second time to change the ignition switch to
the RUN position (EVIC displays “IGNITION
MODE RUN”),
• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button a
third time to return the ignition switch to the
OFF position (EVIC displays “IGNITION
MODE OFF”).
Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F or 29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these tempera-
tures, use of an externally powered electric
engine block heater (available from your autho-
rized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids
into the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could
result in a flash fire causing serious per-
sonal injury.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle
to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started
this way. Unburned fuel could enter the
catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged
battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the
battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies” for further information.
Clearing a Flooded Engine
(Using ENGINE START/STOP Button)
If the engine fails to start after you have fol-
lowed the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold
Weather procedures, it may be flooded. To
clear any excess fuel, press and hold the brake
pedal, push the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it, then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter
motor will engage automatically, run for 10 sec- onds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and the brake
pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
Clearing A Flooded Engine
(Using Fob With Integrated Key)
If the engine fails to start after you have fol-
lowed the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold
Weather” procedures, it may be flooded. To
clear any excess fuel, push the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Then,
turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release it as soon as the starter engages.
The starter motor will disengage automatically
in 10 seconds. Once this occurs, release the
accelerator pedal, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After StartingThe idle speed is controlled automatically and it
will decrease as the engine warms up.
202
Normal Starting – Diesel EngineObserve the following when the engine is op-
erating.
•All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Low Oil Pressure Light is off.
Cold Weather Precautions
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F
(0°C) may require special considerations. The
following chart suggests these options.
*No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (ULSD)
should only be used where extended arctic
conditions (-10°F/-23°C) exist. NOTE:
•
Use of Climatized ULSD Diesel Fuel or
Number 1 ULSD Diesel Fuel results in a
noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
• Climatized ULSD Diesel Fuel is a blend of
Number 2 ULSD and Number 1 ULSD
Diesel Fuels, which reduces the tempera-
ture at which wax crystals form in fuel.
NOTE:
This engine requires the use of “Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel.” Use of incorrect fuel
could result in exhaust system damage. Re-
fer to “Fuel Requirements – Diesel Engine”
in “Starting and Operating” for further infor-
mation.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as
the battery temperature decreases to 0°F
(-18°C). For the same decrease in temperature,
the engine requires twice as much power to
crank at the same RPM. The use of battery
blankets will greatly increase starting capability
at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized MOPAR
dealer. Engine Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the air inlet opening in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
1. The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position before you can start the engine.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Watch for the “Wait To Start Light” in the
instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. It will glow for two to ten
seconds or more, depending on engine tem-
perature. When the “Wait To Start Light” goes
out, the engine is ready to start.
4. Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Use the Fob with
Integrated Key (FOBIK) to briefly turn the igni-
tion switch to the START position and then
release it. The starter motor will continue to run,
and it will automatically disengage when the
engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
203
starter will disengage automatically in 20 sec-
onds. The starter can be disengaged by turn-
ing the ignition switch to the OFF position, if
required.
5. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for
approximately 30 seconds before driving. This
allows oil to circulate and lubricate the turbo-
charger.
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient tempera-
tures below 0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because com-
bustion chamber temperatures can drop so low
that the fuel may not burn completely. Incom-
plete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also,
the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
Engine Warm Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow
the oil pressure to stabilize as the engine
warms up.NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold en-
gine can result in excessive white smoke
and poor engine performance. No-load en-
gine speeds should be kept under 1,200
RPM during the warm-up period, especially
in cold ambient temperature conditions.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate
the engine at moderate speeds for five minutes
before full loads are applied.
Engine Idling – In Cold Weather
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient tempera-
tures below 0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because com-
bustion chamber temperatures can drop so low
that the fuel may not burn completely. Incom-
plete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also,
the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
Stopping The Engine
Before turning off your turbo diesel engine,
always allow the engine to return to normal idle
speed and run for several seconds. This as-sures proper lubrication of the turbocharger.
This is particularly necessary after any period
of hard driving.
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is espe-
cially important for turbocharged, charge air
cooled engines.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
following precautions are not observed:
•
Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and
the engine is at idle speed.
(Continued)
204
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate when the
switch has been activated. Pressing the switch
a second time restores normal operation. If the
TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must
be pressed each time the engine is started.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained
high engine speed and load, an upshift, fol-
lowed shortly thereafter by a downshift, may
occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will
turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat
protection strategy when operating in the TOW/
HAUL mode.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage, the Trans-
mission Limp Home Mode will be engaged. In
this mode, the transmission will remain in the
current gear (3.6L and 3.0L Diesel engine) or in
direct gear (5.7L engine) until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.To reset the transmission, use the following
procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart
the engine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear
range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the trans-
mission will return to normal operation. If the
problem persists, PARK, REVERSE, and NEU-
TRAL will continue to operate. Only second
gear (3.6L and 3.0L Diesel engine) or third gear
(5.7L engine) will be available in the DRIVE
position. Have the transmission checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy,
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically, at a cali-brated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This
may result in a slightly different feeling or
response during normal operation in high gear.
When the vehicle speed drops below a cali-
brated speed, or during acceleration, the
clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage until the transmission fluid and en-
gine coolant are warm [usually after 1 to
3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the
torque converter clutch is not engaged, it
may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Manually shifting (using the ERS
shift control) between 4 (direct gear) and
5/D (Overdrive gear) positions will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive. For ve-
hicles with 5.7L engines (which have two
Overdrive gears), the transmission may
not shift into the top Overdrive gear (nor-
mal fifth gear) until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
209
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of
braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking
by downshifting the transmission whenever
possible.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to
check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain com-
ponents, steering, and suspension. Re-
tighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual. •
Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the ra-
diator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake lin-
ings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned
as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking power
when you need it to prevent a collision. If you
have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material. Im-
pacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L Engine and 3.0L Diesel Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-
hydraulic power steering system that will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electro-hydraulic power steering system expe-
riences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the
electrically driven pump to reduce or stop
power steering assistance in order to prevent
damage to the system. Normal operation will
resume once the system is allowed to cool.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM” message and a
flashing icon are displayed on the
EVIC screen, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the
220
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure accu-
rate 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 “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM
(MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) — 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.
PARKING BRAKEBefore leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the
shift lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
222
•The ESC system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will stop when ESC
becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” in-
dicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Three primary areas are affected by improper
tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause accidents.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in tire failure.
• Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuck holes can cause damage that results
in tire failure.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can af-
fect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread.
These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire
replacement. Under-inflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable
ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and un-
comfortable ride. Both under-inflation and over-
inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and
can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and
unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation PressuresThe proper cold tire inflation pressure for pas-
senger cars is listed on either the face of the
driver’s door or the driver’s side “B” pillar. For
vehicles other than passenger cars, the cold
tire inflation pressures are listed on the driver’s
side “B” pillar, glove box door, or the Certifica-
tion Label.
The tire pressure should be checked and ad-
justed at least once every month. Check more
often if subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-
perature changes.
230