Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is a
regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children, do
not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open con-
tainers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance imme-
diately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point
or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
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 protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• 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.
524 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be no lower than 1/8 in
(3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole. The front axle fill and drain plugs should be tightened to
22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the plugs as it could damage them
and cause them to leak.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be no lower than 1/8 in
(3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
The rear axle fill and drain plugs should be tightened to
22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the plugs as it could damage them
and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
526 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, 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 thetransmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life
of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geographic
locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads passable in
snow and ice and those that are sprayed on trees and road
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.).
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 533
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers. Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
552 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Adding Fluid.......................... .528
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................528
Fluid Change .......................... .528
Fluid Level Check .....................527, 528
Fluid Type ......................... .527, 549
Gear Ranges ........................... .389
Special Additives ........................ .528
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........206
Auxiliary Power Outlet ..................... .206
Axle Fluid .............................. .549
Battery .............................. .241, 511
Charging System Light ....................241
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................21
Belts, Seat .................................85
Blind Spot Monitoring ...................... .102
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................516
B-Pillar Location .......................... .423
Brake Assist System ........................ .408
Brake Control System, Electronic ................406
Brake Fluid .......................... .525, 549
Brake System ......................... .406, 525
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................ .406
Fluid Check ........................... .525
Master Cylinder ........................ .525Parking
.............................. .404
Warning Light .......................... .239
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................387
Bulb Replacement ...................... .540, 542
Bulbs, Light ...............................88
Camera, Rear ............................ .192
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .545
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .487
Oil (Engine) ........................... .510
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................523
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................85,
448
Cargo Area Cover ......................... .220
Cargo Area Features ....................... .219
Cargo Compartment ....................... .219
Light ................................ .220
Luggage Carrier ........................ .223
Cargo Light ............................. .220
Cargo Tie-Downs .......................... .221
Car Washes .............................. .529
Cellular Phone ........................... .334
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............544
Certification Label ......................... .451
Chains, Tire ............................. .437
10
INDEX 567
Changing A Flat Tire....................... .476
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .419
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .506
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................84
Checks, Safety .............................84
Child Restraint .............................63
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................68
Child Restraints ..........................63
Child Seat Installation ......................80
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........77
Infants And Child Restraints .................66
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............73
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........70
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........67
Seating Positions ..........................69
Child Safety Locks ..........................28
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .445
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .530
Climate Control ........................... .336
Manual ............................... .336
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .381
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................333
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .432Console, Overhead
........................ .194
Contract, Service .......................... .560
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............523
Cooling System ........................... .520
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................522
Coolant Capacity ........................ .545
Coolant Level .......................... .523
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................523
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................521
Inspection ......................... .520, 523
Points To Remember ..................... .524
Pressure Cap ........................... .523
Radiator Cap .......................... .523
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......521, 545, 547
Corrosion Protection ....................... .528
Cr
uise Control (Speed Control) .................153
Cruise Light .......................... .255, 257
Cupholders ...............................211
Customer Assistance ....................... .558
Daytime Running Lights .....................137
Dealer Service ............................ .507
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .223
Defroster, Windshield ........................86
568 INDEX