Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) with deionized, or dis-
tilled water for proper corrosion protection is recom-
mended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the air Recirculation mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e.,
vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes, in fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select De-
frost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen from
the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service your
cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when needed.
118 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Battery Charge Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Battery Charge Warning Light (12 Volt Battery)
This light illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the vehicle is run-
ning, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible. This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system or a related component.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump-Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency.”
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Red Telltale
Light What It Means
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
PARK and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the vehicle
off immediately and call for service.
NOTE:
As the coolant temperature gauge approaches
H,this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to reach H.In this
case, a continuous chime will sound until the vehicle is allowed to cool or the 4 minutes duration
is expired, whichever come first.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative(-)end of the jumper cable from
the ground of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper
cable from the negative (-)post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable from
the positive (+)post of the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper
cable from the positive (+)post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle,
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged
in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY
The funnel for the Cap-Less Fuel System is located with the
spare tire (if equipped) or in the upper storage bin. If your
vehicle is out of fuel and an auxiliary fuel can is needed,
insert the funnel into the filler neck and proceed to fill the
vehicle.
For more information on the Cap-Less Fuel System refer to
“Refueling The Vehicle” in “Starting And Operating ” in
this manual.
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.
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.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 421
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by
excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even fail-
ure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continu-
ously without stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmis-
sion overheating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheel OFF The Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equip-
ment designed for this purpose, following equipment manu-
facturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brackets.
State and local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 423
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems 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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• Turn vehicle OFF and disconnect the fan motor lead
before working near the radiator cooling fan.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 447
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 463
DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .382
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) .........523
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .........138
Electric Parking Brake ...................... .285
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................90
Electronic Brake Control System ................195
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................194
Traction Control System ....................195
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........297
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............198
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........172
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ...................386
Jacking ............................... .455
Jump Starting .......................... .417
Overheating ........................... .421
Towing ............................... .423
Engine Air Cleaner ............................ .438
Break-In Recommendations .................284
Checking Oil Level ...................... .434
Compartment .......................... .433Compartment Identification
.................433
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .490
Cooling .............................. .447
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................275, 488
Fuel Requirements ....................... .486
Oil ........................... .436, 489, 490
Oil Filter .............................. .438
Oil Selection ........................ .436, 489
Oil Synthetic ........................... .437
Overheating ........................... .421
Starting .............................. .282
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .437
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................437
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........251,
426
Ethanol ................................. .487
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................275, 488
Exhaust System ....................... .275, 446
Exterior Lighting .......................... .396
Exterior Lights ...................94, 278, 392, 396
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .438
Air Conditioning .........................118
Engine Oil ......................... .438, 490
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .438
12
INDEX 579
Outside................................90
Rearview ........................... .89, 386
Vanity ............................. .93, 138
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................213
MOPAR Parts ............................ .573
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................96
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................284
Occupant Restraints ........................ .219
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............486, 490
Oil, Engine ........................... .436, 490
Capacity .............................. .489
Change Interval ........................ .436
Checking ............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .438
Filter ............................. .438, 490
Filter Disposal .......................... .438
Identification Logo ...................... .437
Materials Added To ...................... .437
Pressure Warning Light ....................173
Recommendation .....................436, 489
Synthetic ............................. .437
Viscosity .......................... .437, 489Oil Filter, Change
......................... .438
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .438
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .173
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................190
Operating Precautions ...................... .190
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................89, 90
Overheating, Engine ....................... .421
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,573
Paint Care ............................... .478
Parking Brake ............................ .285
ParkSense System, Rear ...................319, 329
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .495
Pets ................................... .274
Placar
d, Tire And Loading Information ...........458
Power Inverter .............................. .142
Mirrors ................................90
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ............138
Seats ..................................80
Steering .............................. .296
Power Seats Forward ................................81
Rearward ...............................81
12
INDEX 583