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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 99
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•Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale
This telltale indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur with
severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
telltale turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Telltale illuminated will eventually cause se-
vere transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning Telltale is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
• Electric Power Steering Malfunction
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........390
▫ Acceleration ........................ .390
▫ Traction ........................... .391
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............391
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................391
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................392
POWER STEERING .....................393
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............394
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .395
PARKING BRAKE ..................... .395
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .............398
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .400
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............400
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............400
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............401
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........402
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................405
▫ Ready Alert Braking ...................407
▫ Rain Brake Support ....................408
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light ........408
▫ Synchronizing ESC ....................409
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............410
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .410
366 STARTING AND OPERATING
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•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.
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.
394 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY — IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 395
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.4L
1 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Power Distribution Center(Fuses)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
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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 inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
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 to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
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” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission We recommend youONLYuse MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission
Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 brake fluid. If DOT 3 brake fluid
is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid + 4, or MOPAR®
ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR® Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W–90
(API GL-5) in addition to MOPAR® Friction Modifier — Hypoid Gear
Additive).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525