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.
TURN SIGNAL/LIGHTS LEVER
Headlights/Parking Lights/Automatic
Headlights
• Rotate the end of the lever to the first
detent for parking lights, the
second detent for headlights, and
the third detent for AUTO.
• When set to AUTO, the system auto-
matically turns the headlights on or off
based on ambient light levels.
Instrument Panel Dimmer
• Rotate the center portion of the lever
to the extreme bottom position to fully
dim the instrument panel lights and
prevent the interior lights from illumi-
nating when a door is opened.
•Rotate the center portion of the lever up to increase the brightness of the instrument
panel lights when the parking lights or headlights are on.
Multifunction Lever
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- Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds 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!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
- Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
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The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
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.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (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.
-Electronic Stability Control (ESC ) OFF Activation/Malfunction Warning Light
If the ESC OFF warning light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected.
If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend
you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
-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.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
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.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (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.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
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.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as “Change Oil Soon” and “Oil Change Needed”)
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Fuel Warning Light
If the Low Fuel Warning Light comes on the fuel level is approximately 2.8 gal
(10.6 L) this light will turn on and a single chime will sound until fuel is added.
- 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 seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously.
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.6L ENGINE
1. Battery
2. Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
3. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Engine Oil Fill
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
Two Door Models18.6 Gallons 70 Liters
Four Door Models 22.5 Gallons 85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L Engine 6 Quarts 5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L Engine (MOPAR®Antifreeze/EngineCoolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formulaor equivalent)10.5 Quarts 9.9 Liters
* Includes coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine CoolantWe recommend you use MOPAR®Antifreeze/Coolant10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic AdditiveTechnology) or equivalent meeting the requirements ofChrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
Engine OilWe recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 EngineOil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler MaterialStandard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®, andShell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correctSAE grade.
Engine Oil FilterWe recommend you use MOPAR®Engine Oil Filter orequivalent.
Spark PlugsWe recommend you use MOPAR®Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection87 Octane
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MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
For information on the maintenance procedures for your vehicle, please refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in your Owner’s Manual or
applicable supplement on the DVD for further details.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 “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).
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles, “Oil Change
Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that
an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster
odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing the
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 “Instrument Cluster Descriptions” or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in the Owner’s Manual on your DVD
for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
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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:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power
steering and automatic transmission, 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 mainte-
nance 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 the oil
indicator system turns on.
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick
•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
•Inspect all door latches for presence of grease, reapply if necessary.
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