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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
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 — Four-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission. 6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or
cold. You can also read the transmission fluid tempera-
ture using the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument
Cluster Display inUnderstanding Your Instrument
Panel for further information. Hot fluid is approxi-
mately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal operating
temperature after the vehicle is driven at least 15 miles
(24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably between
the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature of approxi-
mately 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole.
• If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
• If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After adding
any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait at least
452 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.).
Cleaning The Cupholders
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild detergent.
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 459
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 E-85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Change Oil” or “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. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.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 tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission (4-
speed only) and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Fluid Level Check.....................452, 453
Fluid Type ............................ .475
Gear Ranges ........................... .331
Special Additives ........................ .451
Autostick ............................... .336
Auto Unlock, Doors .........................24
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........199
Auxiliary Power Outlet ..................... .199
Back-Up Lights ........................... .469
Battery .............................. .230, 437
Charging System Light ....................230
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Location .............................. .437
Belts, Seat .................................82
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio
Device After Pairing ......................118
Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the Uconnect
Phone And Mobile Phone ...............107, 129
Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile
Phone ............................. .97, 115
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................441
B-Pillar Location .......................... .358
Brake Assist System ........................ .345Brake Control System, Electronic
................343
Brake Fluid .............................. .475
Brake, Parking ............................ .341
Brakes ................................. .343
Brake System ......................... .343, 449
Fluid Check ........................ .450, 475
Master Cylinder ........................ .450
Parking .............................. .341
Warning Light .......................... .226
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................330
Bulb Replacement ...................... .465, 467
Bulbs, Light ........................... .84, 465
Camera, Rear ............................ .187
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .472
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .386
Oil
(Engine) ........................ .429, 435
Power Steering ......................... .340
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................447
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................81, 383
Cargo Area Cover ......................... .212
Cargo Area Features ....................... .210
Cargo Compartment ....................... .210
Luggage Carrier ........................ .21610
INDEX 491
Cargo Load Floor......................... .210
Cargo Management System ...................210
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ...................212
Tri-Fold Load Floor ...................... .210
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................211
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ..................210, 387
Car Washes .............................. .455
Certification Label ......................... .388
Chains, Tire ............................. .371
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .407
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .354
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .432
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................81
Checks, Safety .............................81
Child Restraint .............................59
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................66
Child Restraints ..........................59
Child Seat Installation ......................76
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........74
Infants And Child Restraints .................62
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............70
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........68
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........63
Using The Top Tether Anchorage ..............78Child Safety Locks
..........................25
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .380
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .456
Coin Holder ............................. .206
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .327
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................297
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .367
Computer, Trip/Travel ...................... .247
Connector UCI ................................. .295
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........295
Conserving Fuel .......................... .245
Console, Floor ............................ .206
Console, Overhead ........................ .188
Contract, Service .......................... .486
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............447
Cooling
System........................... .445
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................446
Coolant Capacity ........................ .472
Coolant Level ....................... .445, 448
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................448
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................445
Inspection ............................. .448
Points To Remember ..................... .449
492 INDEX
Hazard Warning Flasher...................404
Jacking ............................... .407
Jump Starting .......................... .417
Overheating ........................... .404
Towing ............................... .423
Emission Control System Maintenance ............432
Engine ................................. .429
Air Cleaner ............................ .437
Block Heater ........................... .328
Break-In Recommendations ..................80
Checking Oil Level ...................... .434
Compartment ....................... .429, 430
Compartment Identification .................430
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................445, 473
Cooling .............................. .445
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................81, 383
Fails To Start ........................... .327
Flooded, Starting ........................ .327
Fuel Requirements ....................... .380
Jump Starting .......................... .417
Oil ........................... .434, 472, 473
Oil Change Interval ...................... .244
Oil Filler Cap ....................... .429, 435
Oil Filter .............................. .437
Oil Selection ........................ .435, 472Oil Synthetic
........................... .436
Overheating ........................... .404
Starting .............................. .325
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................435, 436
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................436
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........56, 425
Entry System, Illuminated .....................15
Ethanol ............................. .381, 384
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................81, 383
Exhaust System ........................ .81, 443
Exterior
Folding Mirrors ......................92
Exterior Lighting .......................... .168
Exterior Lights .............................84
Filler Location Fuel ........................ .386
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .437
Air Conditioning .....................319, 439
Engine Oil ......................... .437, 473
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .436
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .404
Turn Signal ...................... .84, 171, 241
Flash-To-Pass ............................ .172
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
494 INDEX
Cruising Range......................... .385
Engine Oil ............................ .385
Fuel Requirements ....................... .384
Maintenance ........................... .386
Replacement Parts ....................... .385
Starting .............................. .385
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Floor Console ............................ .206
Fluid, Brake ............................. .475
Fluid Capacities ........................... .472
Fluid Leaks ...............................84
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................452, 453
Brake ............................. .450, 475
Cooling System ......................... .445
Engine Oil ............................ .434
Power Steering ...................... .340, 475
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............473
Fog Lights ........................... .170, 468
Fog Light Service .......................... .468
Folding Rear Seat ...................... .159, 164
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .420
Fuel ................................... .380
Adding .............................. .386
Additives ............................. .382Clean Air
............................. .380
Conserving ............................ .245
Ethanol ........................... .381, 384
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .386
Gasoline .............................. .380
Light ................................ .238
Materials Added ........................ .382
Methanol ............................. .381
Octane Rating ....................... .380, 473
Requirements .......................... .380
Saver
Mode ........................... .245
Specifications .......................... .473
Tank Capacity .......................... .472
Fuel, Flexible ............................. .384
Fueling ................................. .386
Fuel Optimizer ........................... .245
Fuel Saver............................... .245
Fuses .................................. .459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............190, 195
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................386, 431
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .380
Gasoline (Fuel) Conserving ............................ .245
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .380
10
INDEX 495