Page 100 of 679
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 exterior 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 locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking 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.
98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
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Power Steering ....................... 459
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 459
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 460
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 461
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 462
 Parking Brake ........................ 462
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 464
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 464
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 465
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 465
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 466
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 467▫
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 470
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 471
▫ Ready Alert Braking – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Rain Brake Support – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel
Drive Models With MP3023 Two-Speed
Transfer Case Only ................... 474
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 476
 Tire Safety Information ................. 477
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 477
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 481
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 482
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 483
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STARTING AND OPERATING 409 
     
        
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occurred, which caused an over temperature condition in
the power steering system. You will lose power steering
assistance momentarily until the over temperature con-
dition 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
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•Even if power steering assistance is no longer opera-
tional, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
•If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
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 interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe 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 normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
460 STARTING AND OPERATING 
     
        
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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 obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage 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 accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 461 
     
        
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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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573 
     
        
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CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 579 
     
        
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ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Power Steering Reservoir – 3.6L
Engine MOPAR
Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs
EG ZH 3044 or Pentosin CHF 11s.
Power Steering Reservoir – 5.7L
Engine MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic
Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 625 
     
        
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Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, 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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S630 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES