Page 517 of 743

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-
eration or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the TPM sensor. NOTE:
•
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light.”
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 515
Page 540 of 743

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weigh-
ing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the
front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
(Continued)
538 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 645 of 743

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 lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 up engine is 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 one quart 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
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 643
Page 706 of 743

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
704 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 724 of 743

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............656
Adding Fuel ............................ .534
Additives, Fuel .......................... .529
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .175
Airbag ..................................64
Airbag Deployment ........................78
Airbag Light .............................72
Airbag Maintenance ........................80
Airbag, Side ..............................67
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................68
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .646
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................648
Air Conditioning ......................... .314
Air Conditioning Controls ...................314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................648
Air Conditioning System ....................314
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .499
Air Suspension .......................... .410
Alarm Light ............................ .260Alarm, Panic
.............................27
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................655
Disposal ............................. .658
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................473
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................255
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........21
Anti-Theft System ..........................21
Appearance Care ........................ .668
Ashtray ............................... .209
Auto Down Power Windows ..................44
Automatic Door Locks ......................36
Automatic Headlights ..................... .158
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........324
Automatic Transmission ....................355
Adding Fluid ......................... .667
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................668
722 INDEX
Page 733 of 743

Tires ................................493
Locks ..................................34
Automatic Door .........................36
Child Protection .........................37
Door .................................34
Power Door ............................36
Low Tire Pressure System ...................513
Lubrication, Body ........................ .649
Maintenance Free Battery ....................647
Maintenance Procedures ....................642
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .704
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......640
Manual, Service ......................... .718
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ...................... .665
Lubricant Selection ..................... .700
Memory Seat ........................... .151
Methanol .............................. .527Mirrors
............................... .127
Electric Powered ....................... .132
Heated .............................. .133
Memory ............................. .151
Outside ............................. .129
Rearview ............................ .127
Trailer Towing ........................ .135
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................513
Mopar Parts ............................ .641
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .527
Multi-Function Control Lever .................167
Navigation System (Uconnect® gps) ............189
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................115
Occupant Restraints ........................46
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................67
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................526
10
INDEX 731