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To provide you with maximum comfort in the Automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
on low until the engine warms up. The blower will
increase in speed and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
The system allows for manual selection of blower speed,
air distribution mode, A/C status and recirculation con-
trol.
The blower fan speed can be set to any fixed speed by
adjusting the blower control. The fan will now operate at
a fixed speed until additional speeds are selected. This
allows the front occupants to control the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle and cancel the Auto mode.
The operator can also select the direction of the airflow
by selecting one of the available mode settings. A/C
operation and Recirculation control can also be manually
selected in Manual operation.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
A solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
coolant that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-12106 and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 383
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Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes objectionable, increase blower
speed to improve airflow and clearing of the side win-
dows. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
but rainy or humid weather.NOTE:
•
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
• Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or
eliminate window fogging on the front windshield.
When this occurs, recirculation will be unavailable.Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
384 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement instruc-
tions.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 385
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Manual Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
386 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 389 of 635
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................392
▫ Automatic Transmission ................392
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go™ ..................393
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .393
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................395
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................395
▫ After Starting ....................... .396
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .396
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............397▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............399
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .399
▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .400
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .409
AUTOSTICK® — IF EQUIPPED ............417
▫ Operation Eight-Speed Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .417
▫ Operation Five-Speed Transmission — If
Equipped .......................... .418
5
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SPORT MODE (5.7L ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED . . .420
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED . .421
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........422
▫ Acceleration ........................ .422
▫ Traction ........................... .422
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............423
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................423
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................423
POWER STEERING .....................425
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
— IF EQUIPPED ...................... .426
PARKING BRAKE ..................... .426
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .............429
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .431
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............431
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............431
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............432
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........433
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................436
▫ Ready Alert Braking ...................438
▫ Rain Brake Support ....................438
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................439
▫ Synchronizing ESC ....................440
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............440
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .440
388 STARTING AND OPERATING
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▫Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........444
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........445
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........447
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........452
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .452
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................453
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .455
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .455
▫ Tire Types .......................... .456
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............457
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............458
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .460
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................460 ▫
Life Of Tire ........................ .461
▫ Replacement Tires .....................462
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......463
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....465
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . .466
▫ Base System ........................ .469
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ...........472
▫ General Information ...................476
FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................477
▫ 3.6L Engine — If Equipped ...............477
▫ 5.7L Engine — If Equipped ...............477
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................478
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............478
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389
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▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......479
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................479
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................480
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................480
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............481
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .482
▫ E-85 General Information ...............482
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................482
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................482
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............483
▫ Starting ........................... .484
▫ Cruising Range ...................... .484▫
Replacement Parts ....................484
▫ Maintenance ....................... .484
ADDING FUEL ....................... .485
▫ Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release .........487
VEHICLE LOADING ....................488
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............488
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......489
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........489
▫ Overloading ........................ .489
▫ Loading ........................... .490
TRAILER TOWING .....................490
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............490
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............493
390 STARTING AND OPERATING