Window Lockout Button
The Window Lockout button on the driver’s
door allows you to disable the window controls
on the rear doors. To disable the window con-
trols on the rear doors, press the Window
Lockout button. To enable the window controls,
press the Window Lockout button again.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the per-
ception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-
type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit
wind buffeting with the windows down, or the
sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partiallyopen positions. This is a normal occurrence
and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof open-
ing to minimize the buffeting.
LIFTGATETo open the liftgate, pull up on the handle and
lift. Manually unlocking the vehicle doors with
the plunger or a key in the lock cylinder will not
unlock the liftgate.
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poi-
sonous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You
and your passengers could be injured by
these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed when
you are operating the vehicle.
Liftgate Flipper GlassThe liftgate flipper glass is also unlocked when
the liftgate is unlocked. To open the flipper
glass, push up on the window switch located
on the liftgate.
Window Lockout Button
Liftgate Release
Liftgate Glass Release
26
single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate
the instrument cluster Airbag Warning Light if a
malfunction is noted that could affect the airbag
system. The diagnostics also record the nature
of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t have
the airbags to protect you in a collision. If the
light does not come on, stays on after you
start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive,
have an authorized dealer service the airbag
system immediately.
Driver and Passenger Advanced Front
Airbag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front
Airbag Inflator Units are located in the center of
the steering wheel and the right side of the
instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Airbags,
it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Ad-
vanced Front Airbags. Different airbag inflation
rates are possible, based on the collision type
and severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover
and the upper right side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate
in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half
of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The
airbags then quickly deflate while helping to
restrain the driver and front passenger.
The Advanced Front Airbag gas is vented
through the vent holes in the sides of the
airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.
Supplemental Driver Side Knee Airbag
Inflator Unit
The driver side knee airbag unit is located in
the instrument panel trim beneath the steering
column. When the ORC detects a collision
requiring the airbag, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated
to inflate the knee airbag. The trim cover sepa-
rates and folds out of the way allowing the
airbag to inflate to the full size. The airbag fully
inflates in about 15 to 20 milliseconds.Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbag
(SAB) Inflator Units
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
are designed to activate only in certain side
collisions.
The ORC determines if a side collision requires
the side airbags to inflate based on the severity
and type of collision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the
side airbag inflator on the crash side of the
vehicle may be triggered, releasing a quantity
of non-toxic gas. The inflating side airbag exits
through the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The side airbags
fully inflate in about 10 milliseconds. The side
airbag moves at a very high speed and with
such a high force, that it could injure you if you
are not seated properly, or if items are posi-
tioned in the area where the side airbag in-
flates. This especially applies to children.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable
Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined
to a particular area of the side of the vehicle,
the ORC may deploy the SABIC airbags, de-
42
pending on the severity and type of collision. In
these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC
only on the impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to
inflate the side curtain airbag. The inflating side
curtain airbag pushes the outside edge of the
headliner out of the way and covers the win-
dow. The airbag inflates in about 30 ms (about
one-quarter of the time that it takes to blink your
eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are
not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain
airbag inflates. This especially applies to chil-
dren. The side curtain airbag is only about
3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated.
Because airbag sensors estimate deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage are not
good indicators of whether or not an airbag
should have deployed.
NOTE:
In a rollover the pretensioners, and/or SAB
and SABIC airbags may deploy on both
sides of the vehicle.Front and Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can
aid the ORC in determining appropriate re-
sponse to impact events. Additional sensors in
the ORC determine the level of airbag deploy-
ment and provide verification.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag de-
ployment, if the communication network re-
mains intact, and the power remains intact,
depending on the nature of the event the ORC
will determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•
Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery
has power or until the ignition key is turned
off.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or until the
ignition key is removed.
• Unlock the doors automatically. If a Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Airbags are designed to
deflate immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in
all collisions. This does not mean some-
thing is wrong with the airbag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the
airbags, any or all of the following may occur:
•
The nylon airbag material may sometimes
cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to
the driver and front passenger as the air-
bags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are
similar to friction rope burns or those you
might get sliding along a carpet or gymna-
sium floor. They are not caused by contact
with chemicals. They are not permanent and
normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven’t healed significantly within a few
days, or if you have any blistering, see your
doctor immediately.
43
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct inflation
pressure. The manufacturer strongly recom-
mends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in quality and performance when re-
placement is needed (see section on tread
wear indicators). Failure to use equivalent re-
placement tires may adversely affect the safety,
handling and ride of your vehicle. We recom-
mend that you contact your local authorized
dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and stress to steering and suspension
components. You could lose control and
have an accident resulting in serious injury
or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes
with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire smaller than the minimum
tire size listed on your vehicle’s tire placard
unless explicitly instructed to do so by the
vehicle manufacturer (reference tire chain
information in this manual). Using an
under-sized tire could result in tire over-
loading and failure.
•
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sud-
den tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like
under-inflation, overloading can cause tire
failure. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle — never overload
them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings. This can also affect ve-
hicle performance and can do potential dam-
age to the driveline. Check with your dealer
before replacing tires with a different size.
Directional Tread Pattern Tires –
If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with tires using
a directional tread pattern. These tires are
designed to optimize dry handling as well as
wet performance. To obtain the full benefits of
this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation
direction of this type of tire is indicated by
233
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indica-
tor will display in the EVIC telltale
display area. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the SELECT button to turn off the
message. If the problem continues, the mes-
sage will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be sup-
ported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination. NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
244
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) — withTrailer BrakeMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
without Trailer Brake Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L Gasoline 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg) 249 lbs (113 kg)
5.7L Gasoline 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg) 386 lbs (175 kg) 3.0L Diesel 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg) 386 lbs (175 kg)
Maximum trailer towing speed is limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) unless local laws require a lower speed.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight
referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer And Trailer Tongue WeightAlways load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. Loads balanced over the
wheels, or heavier in the rear, can cause the
trailer to sway severelyside-to-side which will
cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed
the maximum tongue weight stamped on your
trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options, or au-
246
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
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Materials Added to Engine OilsDo not add supplemental materials, other than
leak detection dyes, to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product, and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded,
can present a problem to the environment.
Contact your local authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on
how and where used oil and oil filters can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow
type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacementfilters varies considerably. Only high-quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR
engine oil filters are high-
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner FilterRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one
is near the engine compartment before start-
ing the vehicle with the air induction system
(air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to
do so can result in serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR
engine air cleaner filters are
a high quality filter and are recommended.
Maintenance-Free BatteryYour vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the bat-
tery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
276