Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
A solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032 and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in thefresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes objectionable, increase blower
speed to improve airflow and clearing of the side win-
dows. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:
•
Recirculate without A/C should not be used for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
• Automatic Temperature Controls (ATC) will automati-
cally adjust the climate control settings to reduce or4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 347
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-
hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 447
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
switch bank near the bottom center of the instrument
panel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position. NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
478 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
accelerator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal
pressure that will maintain the rocking motion, without
spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:For vehicles with automatic transmission: Shifts
between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at
wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than 2
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage
DRIVE or REVERSE.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of clutch or transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle. NOTE:
Push the ESC Off switch to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE / 1ST GEAR and REVERSE, do not
spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 497
CAUTION!(Continued)
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Anti-Lock Brake System..................422
Electronic Roll Mitigation .................434
Traction Control System ...................428
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ......548
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .154, 155, 158
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............428
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........239
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................42
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................496
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................478
Jump Starting ...................492, 493, 494
Overheating .......................... .478
Towing ....................... .501, 502, 503
Emergency Trunk Release ....................42
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........512
Engine ............................. .508, 509
Air Cleaner .......................... .519
Block Heater ......................... .382Checking Oil Level
..................... .515
Compartment ......................... .509
Compartment Identification ................508
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............529, 567, 568
Cooling ............................. .529
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................95, 469
Fails To Start ......................... .381
Flooded, Starting ...................... .381
Fuel Requirements ..................... .465
Jump Starting ...................492, 493, 494
Oil ....................515, 565, 566, 567, 568
Oil Change Interval ..................... .515
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .516
Oil Filter ............................ .518
Oil Selection ....................516, 565, 566
Oil Synthetic ......................... .517
Overheating .......................... .478
Starting ............................. .375
Engine
Oil Viscosity ...................... .516
10
INDEX 597
Multi-Function Control Lever.................142
Occupant Restraints ........................43
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .........465, 567, 568
Oil, Engine ....................259, 515, 567, 568
Capacity ......................... .565, 566
Change Interval ....................... .515
Checking ............................ .515
Dipstick ............................. .515
Disposal ............................. .518
Filter ........................ .518, 567, 568
Filter Disposal ........................ .518
Materials Added To ..................... .517
Pressure Warning Light ...................238
Recommendation .................516, 565, 566
Synthetic ............................ .517
Viscosity ...................... .516, 565, 566
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .518
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .519Oil Pressure Light
........................ .238
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................510
Operating Precautions ..................... .510
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................112
Overhead Console ........................ .198
Overheating, Engine ...................... .478
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,586
Paddle Shifter ........................... .397
SRT ................................ .397
Paint Care ............................. .540
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ........................... .418
ParkSense System, Rear .....................185
Passenger Seat Easy Entry ........................... .132
Passing Light ........................... .144
Performance ......................... .263, 299
604 INDEX