AutoStick
When using the AutoStick shift control, select the highest
gear that allows for adequate performance and avoids
frequent downshifts. For example, choose4if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose 3or2 if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed. •
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
526 STARTING AND OPERATING
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push 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 action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the 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 to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 531
NOTE:For 1.4L Turbo automatic (DDCT) transmission:
Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or less.
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 off” mode,
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/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train 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).
560 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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 damage:
• 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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 591
DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .449
Electrical Power Outlets .....................282
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................294
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................123
Electronic Brake Control System ...............456
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................456
Traction Control System ...................462
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........250
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............463
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........314
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . .266, 329
Emergency Brake ........................ .451
Emergency Deck Lid Release ..................48
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................559
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................531 Jacking
.............................. .544
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Overheating .......................... .531
Towing ............................. .563
Emergency Trunk Release ....................48
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........575
Engine ............................. .572, 573
Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Block Heater ......................... .420
Break-In Recommendations ................107
Checking Oil Level ..................... .578
Compartment ......................... .571
Cooling ............................. .591
Exhaust Gas Caution .................109, 509
Fuel Requirements ..................... .504
Jump Starting ......................... .555
Oil .......................... .578, 622, 623
Oil Filler Cap ................572, 573, 580, 581
Oil Filter ............................ .581
10
INDEX 651
Oil Selection...................... .579, 623
Overheating .......................... .531
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............83
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .506
Event Data Recorder ........................86
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................109, 509
Exhaust System ...................... .109, 589
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................123
Exterior Lighting ......................... .234
Exterior Lights ...........................113
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Air Conditioning ....................409, 585
Automatic Transmission ..................601
Engine Oil ........................... .581
Engine Oil Disposal .....................581 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... .531
Turn Signal .....................113, 239, 326
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .240
Flooded Engine Starting ....................419
Floor Console ........................... .288
Fluid, Brake ............................ .625
Fluid Capacities ......................... .622
Fluid Leaks .............................113
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................600
Fluids ............................. .623, 625
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........623
Fog Lights ............................. .238
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .230
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................559
Fuel .................................. .504
Adding ............................. .509
652 INDEX
MOPAR Parts........................ .576, 641
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .506
Multi-Function Control Lever .................239
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................107
Occupant Restraints ........................48
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................504
Oil Change Indicator ...................338, 353
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...............338, 353
Oil, Engine ...................... .578, 622, 623
Capacity ............................ .622
Change Interval ....................... .579
Checking ............................ .578
Disposal ............................. .581
Filter ............................... .581
Filter Disposal ........................ .581
Identification Logo ..................... .580
Materials Added To ..................... .581Pressure Warning Light
...................313
Recommendation .................579, 622, 623
Viscosity ......................... .580, 581
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .581
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .582
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .313
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................574
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .............270
Operating Precautions ..................... .574
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................122
Overhead Console ........................ .268
Overheating, Engine ...................... .531
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ..........4,642
Paint Care ............................. .602
Panic Alarm .......................... .22, 26
Parking Brake ........................... .451
Parking On Hill ......................... .451
658 INDEX