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Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
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 objectslodged 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.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
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▫Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 249
Parking Brake ........................ 250
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 252
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 255
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 255
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 255
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 256
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 257
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 257
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 260
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 260
Tire Safety Information ................. 262 ▫
Tire Markings ....................... 262
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 266
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 267
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 268
Tires — General Information ............. 272
▫ Run Flat Tires ....................... 272
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 272
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 274
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 275
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 275
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 276
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 276
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 277
236 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 249 of 407

•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while AutoStickis
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
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 steer-
ing 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.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.
Power Steering Fluid Check
The power steering system requires the use of MOPAR
Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid or equivalent,
which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-10838.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
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 an autho-
rized dealer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
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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 manufacturers 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.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Parking Brake
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 6.1L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Battery 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
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Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 358 of 407
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARNV146 Transfer Case Fluid or equivalent. Usage of other fluid/
lubricants is NOTrecommended.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MOPAR Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or
equivalent.
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 MOPAR Hydraulic System Power Steer-
ing Fluid or equivalent, which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-
10838.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357