ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
For vehicles equipped with the 3.6L or 5.7L use the following engine break-in recom-
mendations:
Alongbreak-inperiodisnotrequiredforthedrivetrain(engine,transmission,clutch,and
rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After the initial 60 mi (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. However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle lubricant installed at the factory is high-quality
and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate and conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
Anewenginemayconsumesomeoilduringitsfirstfewthousandmiles(kilometers)of
operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as
an indication of difficulty. Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often
during the break in period. Add oil as required.
For vehicles equipped with the 6.4L use the following engine break-in recommendations:
Despite modern technology and World Class manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other. This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through the first oil change interval.
It is recommended for the operator to observe the following driving behaviors during the
new vehicle break-in period:
0to100miles(0to161km):
•Donotallowtheenginetooperateatidleforanextendedperiodoftime.
•Depresstheacceleratorpedalslowlyandnotmorethanhalfwaytoavoidrapid
acceleration.
•Avoidaggressivebraking.
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•Drivewiththeenginespeedlessthan3,500RPM.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow55mph(88km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
•Depresstheacceleratorpedalslowlyandnotmorethanhalfwaytoavoidrapid
acceleration in lower gears (1st to 3rd gears).
•Avoidaggressivebraking.
•Drivewiththeenginespeedlessthan5,000RPM.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow70mph(112km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
•Exercisethefullenginerpmrange,shiftingmanually(paddlesorgearshift)athigher
rpms when possible.
•Donotperformsustainedoperationwiththeacceleratorpedalatwideopenthrottle.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow85mph(136km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
For the first 1500 mi (2414 km):
•Donotparticipateintrackevents,sportdrivingschools,orsimilaractivitiesduringthe
first 1500 mi (2414 km).
NOTE:
Check engine oil with every refueling and add if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher through the first oil change interval.
SRT Engine Break-In Recommendations
SRT Engine Break-In Recommendations: The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance and maximum durability for your new SRT Vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other. This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through the first oil change interval.
It is recommended for the operator to observe the following driving behaviors during the
new vehicle break-in period:
0to100miles(0to161km):
•Donotallowtheenginetooperateatidleforanextendedperiodoftime.
•Depresstheacceleratorpedalslowlyandnotmorethanhalfwaytoavoidrapid
acceleration.
•Avoidaggressivebraking.
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34
•Drivewiththeenginespeedlessthan3,500RPM.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow55mph(88km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
•Depresstheacceleratorpedalslowlyandnotmorethanhalfwaytoavoidrapid
acceleration in lower gears (1st to 3rd gears).
•Avoidaggressivebraking.
•Drivewiththeenginespeedlessthan5,000RPM.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow70mph(112km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
•Exercisethefullenginerpmrange,shiftingmanually(paddlesorgearshift)athigher
rpms when possible.
•Donotperformsustainedoperationwiththeacceleratorpedalatwideopenthrottle.
•Maintainvehiclespeedbelow85mph(136km/h)andobservelocalspeedlimits.
For the first 1500 mi (2414 km):
•Donotparticipateintrackevents,sportdrivingschools,orsimilaractivitiesduringthe
first 1500 mi (2414 km).
NOTE:
Check engine oil with every refueling and add if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher through the first oil change interval.
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35
G-Force
When selected, this screen displays the following values:
•LateralG-ForceLeftandRight
•LongitudinalG-ForceForeandAft
•PeakG-ForcesForeAft,LeftandRight
•VehicleSpeed
•SteeringWheelAngle
Engine
When selected, this screen displays the following values:
•VehicleSpeed
•InstantaneousHorsepower/Kilowatts
•InstantaneousTorque
•OilPressure(6.4LOnly)
•Gear
•BoostPressure(6.2LOnly)
SUMMER/THREE-SEASON TIRES
•Thisvehiclemaybeequippedwithwheelsandtirestoenhancetractioninbothwetand
dry conditions.
•Summertiresarenotintendedtobedriveninsnoworonice.
•Summertireshavesignificantlyreducedgripintemperaturesbelow50°F(10°C)
•Usesummertiresonlyinsetsoffour.
NOTE:
Summer tires will not contain the all season designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on
the sidewall of the tire.
WARNING!
Do not use summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You could lose control, resulting in
severe injury or death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the possibility of loss
of vehicle control.
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-EngineTemperatureWarningLight
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle.
If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Ahotenginecoolingsystemisdangerous.Youorotherscouldbebadlyburnedby
steam or boiling coolant.
-BrakeWarningLight
The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the
parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates
apossiblebrakehydraulicmalfunction,brakeboosterproblemoranAnti-LockBrake
System problem.
Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
-MalfunctionIndicatorLight(MIL)
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally
and not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead
to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do
not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
-ElectronicStabilityControl(ESC)OFFIndicatorLight
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
-ChargingSystemLight
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light
remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
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We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
-OilPressureWarningLight
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
-Anti-LockBrake(ABS)Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you
contact the nearest authorized dealer and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
-ElectronicThrottleControl(ETC)IndicatorLight
This light informs you of a problem with the system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
-SeatBeltReminderLight
When the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position, 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 or front
passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Indicator Light will flash or remain
on continuously. Refer to “Seat Belt Systems” in “Things To Know Before Starting” in the
OM on your DVD for further information.
-AirBagWarningLight
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
-TransmissionTemperatureWarningLight
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once
the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
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CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
Oil Life Reset
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s e q u i p p e d w i t h a n e n g i n e o i l c h a n g e i n d i c a t o r s y s t e m . T h e “ O i l C h a n g e
Due” message will flash in the DID display for approximately 10 seconds after a single
chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil
change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval
may fluctuate, dependent upon your personal driving style.
Vehicles Equipped With Passive Entry
•Withoutpushingthebrakepedal,pushtheENGINESTART/STOPbuttonandcyclethe
ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
•PushandreleasetheDOWNarrow button to scroll downward through the main
menu to “Vehicle Info”.
•PushandreleasetheRIGHTarrow button to access the ”Oil Life” screen.
•PushandholdtheRIGHTarrow button for one second to access the ”Oil Life Reset”
screen.
•PushandholdtheDOWNarrow button until the screen shows 100% oil life.
•PushandreleasetheUparrow button to exit the DID screen.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
•Withoutpushingthebrakepedal,cycletheignitiontotheON/RUNposition(Donot
start the engine.)
•PushandreleasetheDOWNarrow button to scroll downward through the main
menu to “Vehicle Info”.
•PushandreleasetheRIGHTarrow button to access the ”Oil Life” screen.
•PushandholdtheRIGHTarrow button for one second to access the ”Oil Life Reset”
screen.
•PushandholdtheDOWNarrow button until the screen shows 100% oil life.
•PushandreleasetheUparrow button to exit the DID screen.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
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Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle
the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
3. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to
return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator
system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LIGHTS
-TurnSignalIndicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn signals when the turn signal lever is operated.
Atonewillchime,andaDIDmessagewillappearifeitherturnsignalisleftonformore
than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.
-Park/HeadlightONIndicator
This indicator will illuminate when the park lights or headlights are turned on.
-HighBeamIndicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
-FrontFogLightIndicator
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog lights are on.
-VehicleSecurityLight
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle security alarm
is arming. The light will flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set. The
security light will also come on for about three seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
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