INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler
Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it repre-
sents precision workmanship, distinctive styl-
ing, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go
places and perform tasks that conventional
passenger cars are not intended. It handles and
maneuvers differently from many passenger
cars both on-road and off-road, so take time to
become familiar with your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was
designed for on-road use only. It is not intended
for off-road driving or use in other severe con-
ditions suited for a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Owner’s Manual and all the Supplements. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering,
and transmission and transfer case shifting.
Learn how your vehicle handles on different
road surfaces. Your driving skills will improve
with experience, but as in driving any vehicle,take it easy as you begin. When driving off-road
or working the vehicle, don’t overload it or
expect it to overcome the forces of nature.
Always observe local laws wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or a collision. Be sure to read the
“On-Road/ Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for conve-
nient referencing and remain with the ve-
hicle when sold.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or a collision.
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or
while intoxicated may result in loss of control,
collision with other vehicles or objects, going off
the road, or overturning; any of which may lead
to serious injury or death. Also, failure to use
seat belts subjects the driver and passengers to
a greater risk of injury or death.
To keep your vehicle running at its best, have
your vehicle serviced at recommended intervals
by an authorized dealer or distributor who has
the qualified personnel, special tools and equip-
ment to perform all service.
The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally
interested in your complete satisfaction with this
vehicle. If you encounter a service or warranty
problem which is not resolved to your satisfac-
tion, discuss the matter with your authorized
dealer or distributor’s management.
Your authorized dealer or distributor will be
happy to assist you with any questions about
your vehicle.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a
higher ground clearance and a higher center of
gravity than many passenger cars. It is capable of
performing better in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Driven in an unsafe manner, all ve-
hicles can go out of control. Because of the higher
center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of control it
may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
4
Air Bag Warning LightYou will want to have the air bags
ready to inflate for your protection
in a collision. The Air Bag Warning
Light monitors the internal circuits
and interconnecting wiring associ-
ated with air bag system electrical
components. While the air bag system is de-
signed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.
• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the
ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN
position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after
the four to eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving. NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any en-
gine related gauges are not working, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may
also be disabled. The air bags may not be
ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer
to the label located on the inside of the fuse
block cover for the proper air bag fuses. See
your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
•
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating; •
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which crashes
and injuries occur.
NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only
if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such
as law enforcement, could combine the EDR
data with the type of personally identifying
data routinely acquired during a crash in-
vestigation.
49
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 suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the sys-
tem is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized
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 sur-
face and with the engine off to prevent injury
from moving parts and to ensure accurate fluid
level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manu-
facturer’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 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. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
250
CAUTION!
•
Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when necessary
could result in more costly repairs, damage
to other components or negatively impact
vehicle performance. Immediately have po-
tential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer 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
malfunction, 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, we
recommend you use MOPAR® API Certified
SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting 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 Petro-
leum Institute (API).
The manufacturer
only recommends
API Certified engine
oils.
313
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Low Ash Engine Oil is
recommended for all operating temperatures.
This engine oil improves low temperature start-
ing and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom-
mended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For
information on engine oil filler cap location, refer
to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Synthetic Engine OilsYou may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Materials Added To Engine OilThe manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And
Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact
your authorized dealer, service station or gov-
ernmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow
type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacement
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR® engine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner FilterRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious per-
sonal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR® engine air cleaner filters are
a high quality filter and are recommended.
315
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lu-
bricants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk
of personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, adding refrigerant or any repair re-
quiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants. Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-saving product. However, the manufac-
turer recommends that air conditioning service
be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C sys-
tem sealers, stop leak products, seal condi-
tioners, compressor oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
blower is operating or personal injury may
result.The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove box. Perform the following
procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all
contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compart-
ment and lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure
the filter cover to the HVAC housing, and re-
move the cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
317
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the
ignition, when the transmission is in gear and
the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed, such as
when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunction-
ing operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam com-
ing from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) by
an authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C
condenser for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser. Check the engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the coolant recovery
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature
(but not running), check the cooling system pres-
sure cap for proper vacuum sealing by draining a
small amount of engine coolant (antifreeze) from
the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin
to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT
REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) that meets the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
321
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Schedule – Gasoline
Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in
this manual must be done at the times or
mileages specified to protect your vehicle war-
ranty and ensure the best vehicle performance
and reliability. More frequent maintenance may
be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should also
be done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched-
uled maintenance.On Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Re-
quired” will be displayed in the EVIC and a
single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illuminate
approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km) after the
most recent oil change was performed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within 500 miles (800 km).
NOTE:
•
The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicles oil if it has been 12
months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated. •
Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an ex-
tended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or
12 months, whichever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched-
uled oil change. If this scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than your autho-
rized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ”Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
344