CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when neces-
sary could result in more costly repairs,
damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by
an authorized dealership or qualified repair
center.
• 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 malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the
flushing procedure.Engine Oil – Gasoline Engines
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s
engine, the engine oil must be maintained at
the correct level. The best time to check the
engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off or before starting
the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings. Maintain the oil level in the SAFE level
range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when
the level is at the bottom of the SAFE range will
result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or
six months whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection – Non ACEA
Categories
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API certified and meet the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine
Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol means
that the oil has
been certified by
the American Pe-
troleum Institute
(API). The manu-
facturer only rec-
ommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.
274
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is at-
tached to the positive post, and the nega-
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and
(-) negative and identified on the battery
case.
• If a “fast charger” is used while battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery
cables before connecting the charger to the
battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner MaintenanceFor best possible performance, your air condi-
tioner 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 condition should also be checked at
this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air con-
ditioning system as the chemicals can dam-
age your air conditioning components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri-
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains refrig-
erant 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. NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is
an ozone-saving product. However, the manu-
facturer recommends that air conditioning ser-
vice be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recy-
cling equipment.
Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically
with a lithium based grease, such as MOPAR
Spray White Lube or equivalent to assure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application 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
277
attention should also be given to hood latching
components 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 lubri-
cated twice a year, preferably in the Fall and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as MOPARLock Cylinder Lu-
bricant or equivalent directly into the lock cyl-
inder.
Windshield Wiper BladesClean the rubber edges of the wiper blades
and the windshield periodically with a sponge
or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner to
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
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 wipe frost or
ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc. NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and fre-
quency of use. Poor performance of blades
may be present with chattering, marks, wa-
ter lines or wet spots. If any of these condi-
tions are present, clean the wiper blades or
replace as necessary.
Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir for the windshield washers
and the rear window washer is shared. The fluid
reservoir is located in the engine compartment,
be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will
help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up
of your windshield washer system in cold
weather, select a solution or mixture that meets
or exceeds the temperature range of your cli-
mate. This rating information can be found on
most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.
Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or misposi-
tioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect
the exhaust system each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
278
WARNING!(Continued)
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal com-
ponents could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This could result
in an accident.
Front/Rear Axle FluidFor normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The rear axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m) on
axles with aluminum housings. The rear axle fill
and drain plugs should be tightened to 22 to
52 ft lbs (30 to 70 N·m) on axles with cast iron
housings.
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage then and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid
leak is found, the transfer case fluid level can
be checked by removing the filler plug located
on the back side of the transfer case. The fluid
level should be at the bottom edge of the filler
plug hole when the vehicle is in a level position.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole, until it runs out of the
hole, when the vehicle is in a level position.
Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug.
Recommended tightening torque for drain and
fill plugs is 15 to 25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
284
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder.
Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will re-
sult in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
• The fluid level is preset at the factory and it
does not require adjustment under normal
operating conditions. If a transmission fluid
leak occurs, visit your authorized dealer
immediately. Severe damage to the trans-
mission may occur. Your authorized dealer
has the proper tools to adjust the fluid level
accurately.
Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. This occurs af-
ter at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following
procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and nor-
mal operating temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the
brake pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each
gear position ending with the shift lever in
PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and
reinsert it until seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again, and note the
fluid level on both sides. The fluid level should
be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating tempera-
ture. The fluid level is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick
tube.
Do not overfill. After adding any quantity
of oil through the oil fill tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating temperature, the fluid
level should be between the two “COLD”
(lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly estab-
lished at room temperature, it should be
between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
when the transmission reaches 180°F
(82°C). Remember it is best to check the
level at the normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below
50°F (10°C) it may not register on the dipstick.
Do not add fluid until the temperature is
elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing
286
Cargo Compartment............148
Light ...................148
Cargo Light .................148
Cargo Tie-Downs .............149
Cellular Phone ............. 74,185
Center High Mounted Stop Light .....296
Chains, Tire ................231
Changing A Flat Tire ...........259
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .....55
Checks, Safety ...............55
Child Restraint .......... 46,48,51,52
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .....50,51
Child Safety Locks .............21
Clean Air Gasoline .............241
Climate Control ...............185
Cold Weather Operation .........202
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ....185
Compass ..................174
Compass Calibration ...........175
Compass Variance .............175
Computer, Trip/Travel ...........172
Connector UCI ....................181
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) . . 181
Conserving Fuel ..............171
Console, Overhead ............139 Cooling System
..............280
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ......281
Coolant Capacity ............297
Coolant Level ..............282
Disposal of Used Coolant .......282
Drain, Flush, and Refill .........280
Inspection ................280
Points to Remember ..........282
Pressure Cap ..............281
Radiator Cap ..............281
Selection of Coolant
(Antifreeze) ............. 280,297
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......118
Cupholders .................146
Customer Assistance ...........326
Data Recorder, Event ............45
Daytime Running Lights ..........108
Defroster, Rear Window ..........151
Defroster, Windshield .......56,187,191
Diagnostic System, Onboard .......273
Diesel Fuel .................242
Diesel Fuel Requirements .........242
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ........286
Oil (Engine) ...............274 Power Steering.............221
Disabled Vehicle Towing .........265
Disposal Engine Oil ................276
Door Locks .................20
Door Locks, Automatic ...........21
Driving ...................217
Off-Pavement ..............218
Off-Road .................218
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel
Economy ..................171
Electric Remote Mirrors ...........68
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary
(Power Outlet) ...............144
Electronic Brake Control System .....223
Anti-Lock Brake System ........223
Brake Assist System ..........224
Electronic Roll Mitigation ........224
Traction Control System ........224
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .....224
Electronic Speed Control
(Cruise Control) ............ 116,118
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ................. 159,163
337