Page 91 of 613
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.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89
Page 370 of 613

Four–Wheel Drive Operation
(Command-Trac I Or Rock-Trac).......... 390
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 390
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 392
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 393
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 394
Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 395
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect —
If Equipped .......................... 396
On-Road Driving Tips .................. 398
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 399
▫ Side Step Removal – If Equipped ......... 399
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 400
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 401▫
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation .......................... 401
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 402
▫ Crossing Obstacles
(Rocks And Other High Points) .......... 403
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 406
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 408
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 411
Power Steering ....................... 412
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 413
Parking Brake ........................ 414
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 417
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 419
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 419
368 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 415 of 613

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
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 be
checked 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 413
Page 416 of 613

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.
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.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
414 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 515 of 613
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Battery 7 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 8 — Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 513
Page 520 of 613

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 lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
engine oil level should be checked five minutes after a
warmed up engine has been shut off.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a
reading at the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
518 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 563 of 613

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Manual Transmission – If
Equipped MOPAR
Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224).
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) 226 RBI (Model 44)- MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API
GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use MOPAR Synthetic Gear & Axle
Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-Lok™
require an additive.
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 recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 561
Page 568 of 613
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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission 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.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
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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S566 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES