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.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
33
•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.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
35
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
149
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
150
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Manual Transmission – IfEquippedWe recommend you use MOPAR®AT F + 4®Automatic Trans-mission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission – IfEquippedUse only MOPAR®ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid mayaffect the function or performance of your transmission.
Power Steering Reservoir –If EquippedWe recommend you use MOPAR®Power Steering Fluid + 4,MOPAR®or ATF+4®Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR®DOT 3, SAE J1703should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is notavailable, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Rear Axle We recommend you use MOPAR®LSD Synthetic Gear Lu-bricant SAE 75W85 (API GL-5).
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
For information on the maintenance procedures for your vehicle, please refer to “Main-
tenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in your Owner’s Manual or applicable
supplement on the DVD for further details.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 3.6L AND 5.7L
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 a u t o m a t i c 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
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 “Change Oil” or “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).
The message “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the DID and a single chime will
sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Yo u r a u t h o r i z e d d e a l e r w i l l r e s e t t h e o i l c h a n g e i n d i c a t o r m e s s a g e a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g t h e
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under
“Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this guide or
“Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in your
Owners Manual on the DVD for further information.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
186
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Checkengineoillevel
•Checkwindshieldwasherfluidlevel
•Checktirepressureandlookforunusualwearordamage.Rotatetiresatthefirstsign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
•Checkthefluidlevelsofthecoolantreservoir,brakemastercylinder,andpower
steering and fill as needed.
•Checkfunctionofallinteriorandexteriorlights
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
•Rotatethetires.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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
187
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 6.2L SUPERCHARGED AND 6.4L
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this manual must be done at the times or
mileages specified to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best vehicle perfor-
mance and reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for vehicles in severe
operating conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving. Inspection and
service should also be done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
The message “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the DID and a single chime will
sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•Theoilchangeindicatormessagewillnotmonitorthetimesincethelastoilchange.
Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six months since your last oil change, even if the
oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
•Changeyourengineoilmoreoftenifyoudriveyourvehicleoff-roadforanextended
period of time.
•Undernocircumstancesshouldoilchangeintervalsexceed6,000miles(10,000km)
or six months, whichever comes first.
Yo u r a u t h o r i z e d d e a l e r w i l l r e s e t t h e o i l c h a n g e i n d i c a t o r m e s s a g e a f t e r c o m p l e t i n g t h e
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your
authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under
“Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this guide or
“Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in your
Owners Manual on the DVD for further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Checktheengineoillevel.Referto“MaintenanceProcedures/EngineOil”in“Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
•Checkthewindshieldwashersolventandaddifrequired.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
191