WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with seats
and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon-
scious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips: Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to
move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, adjust your heating or
cooling controls to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed
and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation
mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust 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.
Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking
for cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not disas-
semble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must
be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four
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 authorized dealer.
56
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.
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
Petroleum Institute
(API). The manu-
facturer only rec-
ommends API
Certified engine
oils.
302
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
fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
properly reseated. It is normal for the dipstick
cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in
the dipstick tube.
Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From
Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according
to geographic locations and usage. Chemicals
that make roads passable in snow and ice, and
those that are sprayed on trees and road
315
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.
333
† 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
MOPARparts, and specially designed elec- tronic and mechanical tools that can help pre-
vent 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.
344
Cargo Tie-Downs.............148
Cellular Phone ............. 74,204
Center High Mounted Stop Light .....325
Chains, Tire ................254
Changing A Flat Tire ...........283
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .....55
Checks, Safety ...............55
Child Restraint .......... 47,49,51,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .......51
Child Safety Locks .............21
Clean Air Gasoline .............263
Climate Control ...............205
Cold Weather Operation .........218
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ....204
Compass ..................176
Compass Calibration ...........179
Compass Variance .............177
Computer, Trip/Travel ...........174
Connector UCI ....................183
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) . . 183
Conserving Fuel ..............173
Console, Overhead ............138
Cooling System ..............308
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ......309
Coolant Capacity ............326
Coolant Level ..............310 Disposal of Used Coolant
.......310
Drain, Flush, and Refill .........309
Inspection ................308
Points to Remember ..........311
Pressure Cap ..............310
Radiator Cap ..............310
Selection of Coolant
(Antifreeze) ............. 309,326
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......117
Cupholders .................144
Customer Assistance ...........356
Data Recorder, Event ............46
Daytime Running Lights ..........107
Defroster, Rear Window ..........150
Defroster, Windshield .........57,207
Diagnostic System, Onboard .......301
Diesel Fuel .................264
Diesel Fuel Requirements .........264
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .........315
Oil (Engine) ...............302
Power Steering .............243
Disabled Vehicle Towing .........291
Disposal Engine Oil ................304 Door Locks
.................20
Door
Locks, Automatic ...........21
Driving ...................238
Off-Pavement ..............239
Off-Road .................239
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel
Economy ..................173
Electric Remote Mirrors ...........68
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary
(Power Outlet) ...............142
Electronic Brake Control System .....245
Anti-Lock Brake System ........245
Brake Assist System ..........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation ........246
Traction Control System ........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .....246
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise
Control) ................ 115,117
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .....247
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ................. 160,164
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ......289
Hazard Warning Flasher ........282
Jacking ..................283
367