Page 291 of 496

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.NOTE:
•The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
•If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 307 of 496

CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and
activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional
traction and activates the numerous off-road features to
improve handling and control on slippery or difficult
terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (LOff-Road) with 4WD LOCK engaged will allow the
engine to operate in a higher power range. This will
allow you to cross over obstacles and descend hills, with
improved control and less effort.
NOTE:
For maximum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on
regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode, the engine has
been calibrated for maximum performance using pre-
mium fuel.
Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore, you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 413 of 496

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 426 of 496

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid which has been formulated with special
metal to metal friction coefficient additives to provide the
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
Page 434 of 496

1. Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may
be used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean, damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
car to wash them.
Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft cloth.
FUSES
Integrated Power Module (IPM)
The Integrated Power Module (IPM) is located in the
engine compartment near the air cleaner assembly. This
center contains cartridge fuses and mini-fuses. A label
that identifies each component may be printed on the
inside of the cover. Refer to “Engine Compartment” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
Page 463 of 496
120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play;
replace if necessary.
❏ Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid.
❏ Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 480 of 496

Overheating.......................... 385
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 425
Shifting ............................. 297
Special Additives ...................... 426
Autostick ............................. 299
Battery ............................... 410
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Belts, Seat .............................. 83
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 413
B-Pillar Location ........................ 338
Brake Assist System ...................... 322
Brake Fluid ............................ 445
Brake, Parking .......................... 316
Brake System ........................ 318,422
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 319,322
Master Cylinder ....................... 423
Parking ............................. 316
Warning Light ........................ 192 Brakes
............................. 318,422
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 296
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ..................... 437,438
Bulbs, Light .......................... 85,437
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 443
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 443
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 365
Oil (Engine) ....................... 402,409
Power Steering ........................ 315
Car Washes ............................ 428
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,364
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 174
Cargo Area Features ...................... 173
Cargo Compartment Light ............................... 173
Luggage Carrier ....................... 180
10
INDEX 479
Page 481 of 496

Cargo Light............................ 173
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 176
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 176
Cellular Phone ........................ 96,270
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 442
Chains, Tire ............................ 349
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 386
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 334
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 404
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 81
Checks, Safety ........................... 81
Child Restraint .......................... 73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 77
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Child Seat .............................. 79
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 361 Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 430
Climate Control ......................... 270
Clock ..................... 214,229,230,234,243
Clutch ............................... 423
Clutch Fluid ........................... 423
Coin Holder ........................... 172
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 269
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 345
Compass Variance ....................... 210
Connector UCI ................................ 257
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 257
Console .............................. 172
Contract, Service ........................ 471
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 443,444
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 419
Coolant Level ...................... 417,421
480 INDEX