
•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.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when perform-
ing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the requirements
described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc brakes,7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423 

fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
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
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
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
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check
your transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425 

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use Mopar Total Clean, a mild
soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts
from the vehicle to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild detergent
with the cupholder in the center console.
NOTE:The cupholder cannot be removed.
FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering (if equipped) and
fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Maintenance Chart
Required Maintenance Intervals:
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following page
for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires
Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before your next scheduled service
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 455 

Bulbs, Light............................79, 443
Camera, Rear ............................ .174
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .447
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ............................410
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................421
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................76, 361
Cargo Area Features ........................197
Cargo Compartment ........................197
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ..................... .366
Car Washes ...............................427
Certification Label ..........................367
Chains, Tire ............................. .348
Changing A Flat Tire ........................382
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .330
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .406
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................75
Checks, Safety .............................75
Child Restraint .............................60
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................63
Child Restraints ..........................60
Child Seat Installation ......................71
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........69Infants And Child Restraints
.................62
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........65
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........62
Seating Positions ..........................64
Child Safety Locks ..........................27
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .358
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .428
Climate Control ............................268
Clock .................................. .241
Coin Holder ............................. .194
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .299
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .344
Connector UCI ..................................265
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........265
Console, Floor ............................ .194
Contract, Service .......................... .462
Coolant Pr
essure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............421
Cooling System ............................419
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................420
Coolant Capacity ........................ .447
Coolant Level ........................419, 422
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................422
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................419
468 INDEX 

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)......132, 135
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............323
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........212
Emergency Deck Lid Release ...................36
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................392
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................380
Jacking ............................... .382
Jump Starting ....................389, 390, 391
Overheating ............................380
Towing ............................... .396
Emergency Trunk Release .....................36
Emission Control System Maintenance ............406
Engine ................................. .404
Air Cleaner .............................411
Block Heater ............................300
Break-In Recommendations ..................75
Checking Oil Level ....................408, 409
Compartment ........................403, 404
Compartment Identification .................403
Coolant (Antifreeze) .............419, 449, 450, 451
Cooling ...............................419
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................76, 361
Fails To Start ............................299
Flooded, Starting ........................ .299Fuel Requirements
........................357
Jump Starting ....................389, 390, 391
Oil......................408, 447, 449, 450, 451
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .410
Oil Filter ...............................411
Oil Selection ........................ .409, 447
Oil Synthetic ............................410
Overheating ............................380
Starting ...............................297
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .410
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................410
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........58,399
Entry
System, Illuminated .....................18
Ethanol ............................. .358, 361
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................76, 361
Exhaust System ........................ .76, 417
Exterior Folding Mirrors ......................92
Exterior Lighting ...........................116
Exterior Lights .............................79
Filters Air Cleaner .............................411
Air Conditioning .....................277, 414
Engine Oil ....................411, 449, 450, 451
Engine Oil Disposal .......................411
470 INDEX 

FlashersHazard Warning ........................ .380
Turn Signal .......................79, 121, 226
Flash-To-Pass ............................ .122
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ..........................363
Engine Oil ............................ .362
Fuel Requirements ....................361, 362
Maintenance ............................363
Replacement Parts ........................363
Starting ...............................363
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .299
Floor Console ............................ .194
Fluid, Brake .......................... .449, 452
Fluid Capacities ............................447
Fluid Leaks ...............................79
Fluid Level Checks ........................ .426
Automatic Transmission ....................425
Brake .................................423
Cooling System ..........................419
Engine Oil ..........................408, 409
Transfer Case .......................... .426
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............449
Fog Lights ............................120, 214
Folding Rear Seat ...........................111 Forward Collision Warning
....................154
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .392
Fuel ................................... .357
Additives ............................. .360
Clean Air ............................. .358
Ethanol ............................358, 361
Gasoline ...............................357
Gauge ............................... .220
Materials Added ........................ .360
Methanol ............................. .358
Octane Rating .................357, 449, 450, 451
Requir ements .......................... .357
Specifications ....................
.449, 450, 451
Tank Capacity .......................... .447
Fuel, Flexible ............................. .361
Fuses .................................. .432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............177, 183
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .358
Gasoline (Fuel) ............................357
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .358
Gauges Fuel ................................. .220
Gear Ranges ............................. .305
Glass Cleaning ............................431
10
INDEX 471