
WARNING!(Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly in-
stalled, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper 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 (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
98 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will illuminate and the chime will sound. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Speedometer
Push and release the OK button to toggle between MPH
and km/h.
Vehicle Info
The Vehicle Info consists of the following sub menu:
•Tire Pressure Monitor
•Coolant Temperature
•Transmission Oil Temperature
•Engine Oil Temperature
•Oil Pressure
•Oil Life
•Battery Voltage
•AWD Status — If Equipped
Driver Assist
Fuel Economy
Push and release the UP or DOWN arrow button until
the Fuel Economy Menu item is highlighted in the DID.
•Two sub menu pages one with Current value dis-
played and one without the Current Value displayed:
– Current Fuel Economy (MPG, L/100 km, or km/l)
– Range To Empty (miles or km)
– Average Fuel Economy (MPG, L/100 km, or km/l)
– The Max and Min values will correspond to the
particular engine requirements
•Lower end of gauge will be displayed in an amber
color and turn green as Fuel Economy improves.
•HoldOKto reset average fuel economy information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (2 mm). When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
•Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
•Distance driven.
•Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 397

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level — 3.6L Engine
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 between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of oil when the
reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level — 5.7L Engine
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 quart (1.0
liter) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering (if equipped) and
fill as needed.
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before your next scheduled
service
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
•Inspect exhaust system
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 533

Brake Fluid.............................530
Brake, Parking...........................361
Brakes.................................363
Brake System............................363
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................364
Fluid Check...........................497
Master Cylinder........................497
Parking..............................361
Warning Light.........................263
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................344
Brightness, Interior Lights...................155
Bulb Replacement.........................521
Bulbs, Light..............................98
Camera, Rear............................223
Capacities, Fluid..........................527
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)...........................479
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................494
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................95
Cargo Area Features.......................254
Cargo Compartment.......................254
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................424
Car Washes.............................502
Cellular Phone...........................303
Certification Label.........................424
Chains, Tire.............................399
Changing A Flat Tire.......................445
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................377
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .263
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............94
Checks, Safety............................94
Child Restraint............................71
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................76
Center Seat LATCH......................85
Child Restraints.........................71
Child Seat Installation.....................90
552 INDEX

Outside..............................112
Rearview.............................106
Vanity...............................115
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................402
MOPAR® Parts...........................475
MTBE/ETBE............................414
Multi-Function Control Lever.................151
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................93
Occupant Restraints........................42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................413
Odometer...............................263
Oil, Engine..............................274
Capacity.............................527
Change Interval........................478
Checking.............................477
Dipstick..............................477
Disposal..............................480
Filter................................480
Filter Disposal.........................480
Identification Logo......................478
Materials Added To......................480
Recommendation.......................478
Synthetic.............................480
Viscosity.............................479
Oil Filter, Selection........................480
Onboard Diagnostic System..................473
Operating Precautions......................473
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors...................112
Overheating, Engine.......................442
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paddle Shifters...........................352
Paddle Shift Mode........................352
Paint Care..............................501
562 INDEX