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!
•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
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Schedule – Gasoline
Engine
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched-
uled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Re-
quired” will be displayed in the EVIC and a
single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illumi-
nate approximately 7,000 miles (11 200 km)
after the most recent oil change was per-
formed. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within 500 miles (800 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicles oil if it has been
6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is
NOT illuminated. •
Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an ex-
tended period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched-
uled oil change. If this scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than your autho-
rized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ”Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
At Each Stop for Fuel
• Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on
level ground will improve the accuracy of the
oil level reading. Add oil only when the level
is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required. Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser-
voir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission (5.7L only) and add as
needed.
• Check all lights and other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
302
† This maintenance is recommended by the
manufacturer to the owner, but is not required
to maintain emissions warranty.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around
a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for
which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your
vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Maintenance Schedule – Diesel
Engine
To help you have the best driving experience
possible, the manufacturer has identified the
specific vehicle maintenance service intervals
that are required to keep your vehicle operating
properly and safely.
The manufacturer recommends that these
maintenance intervals be performed at your
selling dealer. The technicians at your dealer-
ship know your vehicle best, and have access
to factory trained information, genuine MO-PA R
parts, and specially designed electronic
and mechanical tools that can help prevent
future costly repairs.
The maintenance intervals shown should be
performed as indicated in this section.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 12,500 miles (20 000 km) or
12 months, whichever comes first.
At Each Stop for Fuel
• Check the engine oil level about 15 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on
level ground will improve the accuracy of the
oil level reading. Add oil only when the level
is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
Once a Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required. •
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser-
voir, brake master cylinder, and power steer-
ing and add as needed.
• Check all lights and other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
• Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel
filter/water separator unit.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages for the required maintenance
intervals.
313
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