ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and
axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws
contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy
conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity
and quality grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle.”
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers)
of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of an engine problem or malfunction.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• For 3.0L diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-InRecommendations on pg. 145
• For 6.7L Cummins diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-In Recommendations on pg. 155
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
32
DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
1500 3.0L DIESEL
145
8-Stud — Dual Rear Wheels
• Dual wheels are flat-mounted and center-piloted. The lug nuts are a two-pieceassembly. When the tires are being rotated or replaced, clean these lug nuts and
add two drops of oil at the interface between the hex and the washer.
• Slots in the wheels will assist in prop- erly orienting the inner and outer
wheels. Align these slots when assem-
bling the wheels for best access to the
tire valve on the inner wheel. The tires
of both dual wheels must be com-
pletely off the ground when tightening,
to ensure wheel centering and maxi-
mum wheel clamping.
• Dual wheel models require a special heavy-duty lug nut tightening adapter
(included with the vehicle) to correctly
tighten the lug nuts. Also, when it is necessary to remove and install dual rear
wheels, use a proper vehicle lifting device.
NOTE:
When installing a spare tire as part of a dual rear wheel end combination, the tire
diameter of the two individual tires must be compared. If there is a significant
difference, the larger tire should be installed in a front location. The correct direction
of rotation for dual tire installations must also be observed.
These dual rear wheels should be tightened as follows:
1. Tighten the wheel nuts in the num- bered sequence to a snug fit.
2. Retighten the wheel nuts in the same sequence to the torques listed in the
table. Go through the sequence a
second time to verify that specific
torque has been achieved. Retighten to
specifications at 100 miles (160 km)
and after 500 miles (800 km).
• It is recommended that wheel stud
nuts be kept torqued to specifications
at all times. Torque wheel stud nuts to specifications at each lubrication interval.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
187
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic AdditiveTechnology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant is different and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible”
coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into
the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
E-85 Flexible Fuel — 3.6L Engine Only
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label or a yellow gas cap can operate on
E-85.
Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — GASOLINE ENGINE
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 service 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).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
214
TIRE PRESSURES
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire, at least monthly
and inflate to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
The tire pressures recommended for your vehicle are found on the “Tire and Loading
Information” label located on the driver’s side door opening.
NOTE:
Refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD
for more information regarding tire warn-
ings and instructions.
WARNING!
•Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recom-
mended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions. Under-inflation
is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in severe cracking, component
separation, or “blow out”. Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of
your vehicle. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should
be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.
To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
®Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent or select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
Tire And Loading Information Location (Example)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
234