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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. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires for proper 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 89
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................244
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .244
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................246
▫ After Starting ....................... .247
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ...............247
▫ Shifting ............................ .248
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ..............250
▫ Skip Shift Indicator Light ...............250
STREET/RACE MODE — IF EQUIPPED ......251
LAUNCH MODE ...................... .253
TRACK USE ......................... .255
▫ Guidelines For Track Use ................255
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........256
▫ Acceleration ........................ .256
▫ Traction ........................... .256
DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............257
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................257
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................258
POWER STEERING .....................259
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............260
5
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CAUTION!(Continued)
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such
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 standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost. If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•
Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
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CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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.
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.
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.
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 further informa-
tion.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 8 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
4 — Power Distribution Center 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission We recommend you use MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle We recommend you use Castrol SAF-XJ/SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant.
Brake/Clutch Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR Brake and Clutch
Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +
4, MOPAR or ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission, and
add as needed.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE: Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle. •
Inspect the brake hoses.
• Inspect the suspension components.
• Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
• Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
• Check power steering fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 391
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Caps, FillerOil (Engine) .......................... .342
Power Steering ........................ .260
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................355
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................87, 306
Car Washes ............................ .362
Chains, Tire ............................ .295
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .273
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .337
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............86
Checks, Safety ............................86
Child Restraint ............................73
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................78
Child Restraints .........................73
Infants And Child Restraints ................76
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................79
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........76Using The Top Tether Anchorage
.............82
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .303
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .363
Windshield Wiper Blades ..................348
Climate Control ......................... .212
Clutch Fluid ............................ .361
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .289
Contract, Service ......................... .401
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........355
Cooling System .......................... .352
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............354
Coolant Capacity ...................... .384
Coolant Level ..................... .352, 356
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................356
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................353
Inspection ........................... .356
Points To Remember .....................357
Pressure Cap ......................... .355
410 INDEX