Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exte-
rior lights while you work the controls. Check
turn signal and high beam indicator lights on
the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight park-
ing for fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel, power steering fluid, or brake fluid leaks
are suspected, the cause should be located
and corrected immediately.
58
•After Driving Off-Road ..................... 241
• POWER STEERING ......................... 242
• 3.6L And 5.7L Engine ...................... 242
• 3.0L Diesel Engine ....................... 242
• Power Steering Fluid Check .................. 243
• MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
(IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY .............. 244
• PARKING BRAKE .......................... 244
• ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ........... 245
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ 245
• Traction Control System (TCS) ................ 246
• Brake Assist System (BAS) .................. 246
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............... 246
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. 247
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) .................. 248
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) ..................... 249
• Ready Alert Braking ...................... 250
• Rain Brake Support ....................... 250
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel Drive Models
With MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case Only ........ 250
• ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF
Indicator Light .......................... 251
213
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking power
when you need it to prevent a collision. If you
have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material. Im-
pacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L And 5.7L Engine
The standard power steering system will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will provide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost. If for some reason the power assist is inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•
Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered nor-
mal and do not indicate that there is a
problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for
a short amount of time. This is due to the
cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal,
and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power
steering assist could pose a safety risk to
yourself and others. Service should be ob-
tained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will in-
crease the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.
3.0L Diesel EngineYour vehicle is equipped with an electro-
hydraulic power steering system that will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electro-hydraulic power steering system expe-
riences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
242
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the
electrically driven pump to reduce or stop
power steering assistance in order to prevent
damage to the system. Normal operation will
resume once the system is allowed to cool.If the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM” message and a
flashing icon are displayed on the
EVIC screen, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the
dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER
TEMP” message and an icon are displayed on
the EVIC screen, it indicates that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. You will lose power
steering assistance momentarily until the over
temperature condition no longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, then pull over and
let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•
Even if power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to
steer the vehicle. Under these conditions
there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking maneu-
vers.
• If the condition persists, see your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The
fluid should only be checked if a leak is sus-
pected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or
the system is not functioning as anticipated.
Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure accu-
rate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
243
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
298
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
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MOPARSynthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or equivalent with friction
modifier additive.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine With
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine Without
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir – 3.6L Engine and
3.0L Diesel Engine MOPAR
Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs EG ZH 3044 or Pento-
sin CHF 11s.
Power Steering Reservoir – 5.7L Engine MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
licensed ATF+4 product.
329
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