Page 113 of 664

WARNING!(Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
• If required, mounting posts must be properly in-
stalled, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 111
Page 422 of 664

▫Traction ........................... .442
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............442
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................443
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................443
POWER STEERING .....................444
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............445
PARKING BRAKE ..................... .446
BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .449
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .450
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . . .450
▫ Brake System Warning Light ..............450
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............450
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ............452▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............453
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................453
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............456
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........457
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ...............461
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........462
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............462
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............463
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .463
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........467
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........468
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........470
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........475
420 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 446 of 664

CAUTION!(Continued)
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, trans-
mission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e.,
fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide
light efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If
the electric steering system experiences a fault that
prevents it from providing assist, you will still have the
ability to steer the vehicle manually.
Alternate electric power steering efforts can be selected
through the Uconnect System. Refer to ”Customer
444 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 447 of 664

Programmable Features” within “Uconnect Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose
a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING” or the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF
– SERVICE SYSTEM” message is displayed
within the Driver Information Display (DID), this indi-
cates the vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. Refer to “Driver Information Display (DID)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. NOTE:
•
Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 445
Page 448 of 664

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid
type.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.
446 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 561 of 664
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 8 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (4–Speed Only)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post) 11 — Coolant Reservoir Cap
6 — Remote Jump Start (Negative Battery Post) 12 — Engine Oil Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 559
Page 562 of 664
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir5 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 8 — Engine Oil Fill
560 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 620 of 664
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 fluid.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-
90.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-
90.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3, SAE J1703. If
DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is ac-
ceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid
+ 4, or MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
618 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE