
WARNING!(Continued)
that could jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety of
others.
ABS is designed to function with the OEM tires. Modifica-
tion may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The yellow “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. However, the conventional brake sys-
tem will continue to operate normally if the “Brake System
Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the brake
system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warn-
ing Light” does not come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, have the light repaired as soon
as possible.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The sys-
tem detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the
rate and amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the anti-lock
brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly
results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of
the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes).
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no
longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
(Continued)
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll back while
towing a trailer.
WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with your trailer,
the trailer brakes may be activated and deactivated
with the brake switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle and the
trailer on a hill when the brake pedal is released. In
order to avoid rolling down an incline while resum-
ing acceleration, manually activate the trailer brake
or apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal.
• HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when leaving your vehicle. Also,
be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
• Failure to follow these warnings may cause the
vehicle to roll down the incline and could collide
with another vehicle, object or person, and cause
serious or fatal injury. Always remember to use the
parking brake while parking on a hill and that the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the
current setting, proceed as follows:
• For vehicles equipped with the Instrument Cluster Dis-
play, refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
• If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, refer to
“Uconnect Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the instrument cluster
display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointing straight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half turn to the left.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front torear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down
low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469

level up to the requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to
fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be
checked when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
470 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes........................ .364
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . . .139
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .............466
Additives, Fuel ........................... .402
Adjust Down ................................ .109
Forward .............................. .108
Rearward ............................. .108
Up.................................. .109
AirBag ..................................48 Air Bag Operation .........................50
Air Bag Warning Light ...................51, 64
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................58
Enhanced Accident Response ..............63, 445
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................445
FrontAirBag ............................51
If A Deployment Occurs ....................62
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................57
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............65
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light .............65
Side Air Bags ............................58
Transporting Pets .........................81
Air Bag Light ....................... .64, 83, 248
Air Bag Maintenance .........................65
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......457Air Conditioner Maintenance
..................458
Air Conditioning Filter ...................320, 459
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............319, 321
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............458, 459
Air Conditioning System ..................318, 458
Air Filter ............................... .457
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .384
Alarm Arm The System ..........................14
Disarm The System ........................15
Rearming The System ......................14
Tamper Alert ............................16
Vehicle Security Alarm .....................14
Alarm, Panic ...............................19
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..................... .250
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................... .356
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................466, 500
Disposal .............................. .468
Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) .................365
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................262
Appearance Care .......................... .472
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .367
Auto Down Power Windows ...................33
Automatic Door Locks ........................26
520 INDEX

Intensity Control........................ .129
Interior ............................... .128
License ............................... .499
Lights On Reminder ..................... .125
Low Fuel ............................. .261
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........256
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ............130
Park ............................. .265, 266
Passing ............................... .127
Reading ........................... .127, 211
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .247
Security Alarm ......................... .250
Service ............................... .490
Side Marker ........................ .492, 494
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........259, 394
Traction Control ........................ .371
Turn Signal ....................85, 126, 267, 492
Vanity Mirror .......................... .100
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .251, 267
Loading Vehicle ........................... .409
Tires................................. .379
Locks ....................................23
Automatic Door ..........................26
Auto Unlock .............................26
Child Protection ..........................26 Door
..................................23
Power Door .............................25
Low Tire Pressure System .....................394
Lubrication, Body ......................... .462
Lug Nuts ............................... .415
Maintenance Free Battery .....................458
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .454
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .506
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .256, 452
Manual, Service ........................... .516
Marker Lights, Side ........................ .492
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................... .469
Memory
Feature (Memory Seat) ................117
Memory Seat ..............................117
Memory Seats And Radio .....................117
Methanol ............................... .400
Mirrors ..................................93
Electric Powered ........................ .100
Electric Remote ......................... .100
Exterior Folding ..........................99
Heated ............................... .100
Outside ................................98
Rearview ...............................93
Vanity ............................... .100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................6
528 INDEX

Monitor, Tire Pressure System..................394
MOPAR Parts ......................... .453, 515
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .400
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................126
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................81
Occupant Restraints .........................36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............400, 501
Oil, Engine ........................... .454, 501
Capacity .............................. .500
Change Interval ........................ .455
Checking ............................. .454
Dipstick .............................. .454
Disposal .............................. .457
Filter ............................. .457, 501
Filter Disposal .......................... .457
Identification Logo ...................... .455
Materials Added To ...................... .457
Pressure Warning Light ....................252
Recommendation .....................455, 500
Synthetic ............................. .456
Viscosity .......................... .456, 500
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .457
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .457Oil Pressure Light
......................... .252
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................451
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ...............213
Operating Precautions ...................... .451
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................98
Overhead Console ......................... .210
Overheating, Engine ....................... .414
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,516
Paint Care ............................... .472
Panic Alarm ...............................19
Parking Brake ............................ .359
ParkSense System, Rear .................. .168, 175
Passing
Light ............................ .127
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .322
Pets .....................................81
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........380
Power Brakes ............................... .364
Deck Lid Release .........................34
Door Locks ..............................25
Mirrors ............................... .100
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........227, 229
Sunroof ........................... .220, 223
10
INDEX 529