Caution!Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or
the path that is under water and if there are
any obstacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may
cause damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain
components. Always inspect your vehicle’s
fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle,
etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s
engine can cause it to lock up and stall out,
and cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Overloading
Note: Be careful not to overload your
vehicle. The gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) of the vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label on
the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of the load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them in
the vehicle.
Driving On Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and
underbody can be damaged if driven
on rough/uneven roads or over speed
bumps at excessive speeds.
Use care and reduce speed when
traveling on rough/uneven roads or over
speed bumps.
Use care not to damage the vehicle's
underbody, bumpers or muffler(s) when
driving under the following conditions:
Ascending or descending a slope
with a sharp transition angle.
Ascending or descending a driveway
or trailer ramp with a sharp transition
angle. This vehicle is equipped with low profile
tires allowing class-leading performance
and handling. As a result, the sidewall
of the tires are very thin and the tires
and wheels can be damaged if driven
through potholes or on rough/uneven
roads at excessive speeds.
Use care and reduce speed when
traveling on rough/uneven roads or
through potholes.
182
STARTING AND OPERATING
INTRODUCTION Be extremely careful and prevent injury
to yourself and others or damage to
your vehicle when using this Owner’s
Manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you are unsure about any procedure it
describes, we strongly urge you to have
a reliable and qualified service shop
perform the work, preferably at your
authorized dealer.
Factory-trained FCA technicians and
genuine FCA parts are best for your
vehicle. Without this expertise and the
parts that have been designed and
made especially for your vehicle,
inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient
servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an
accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service,
contact your authorized dealer.
Note: Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed 10,000
miles (16,000 kilometers) or 1 year.
To continue New Vehicle Limited
Warranty eligibility and to protect your
investment, it is your responsibility to
properly maintain your vehicle
according to factory recommended
schedules outlined in this Owner’s
Manual. As part of this you must keep
your maintenance records, receipts,
repair orders and any other documents
as evidence this maintenance was
performed. You must present these
documents, should any New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage
disagreement occur. Failure to do so
can result in your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty being voided either in whole
or in part.
This evidence may consist of the
following:
The FCA Scheduled Maintenance
Record, refer to the Warranty Booklet,
must be completely filled out showing
mileage, repair order number, date for
each service, and signed by a qualified
automotive service technician who
service vehicles.
Original copies of repair orders or
other receipts that include the mileage
and date the vehicle was serviced.
Each receipt should be signed by a
qualified automotive service technician.
For self maintenance, a statement
that you completed the maintenance
yourself, displaying mileage and the
date the work was performed. Also,
receipts for the replacement parts (fluid,
filters, etc.) indicating the date and
mileage must accompany this
statement.
Note: If you elect to perform
maintenance yourself or have your
vehicle serviced at a location other than
an authorized dealer, FCA requires that
all fluids, parts and materials must meet
FCA standards for durability and
performance as described in this
Owner’s Manual. Claims against the warranty resulting
from lack of maintenance, as opposed
to defective materials or authorized FCA
workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts
equivalent to your vehicle's original
equipment may perform maintenance.
But we recommend that it always be
done by an authorized dealer using
genuine FCA parts. Selecting
“Maintenance Monitor” enables the
system to notify you of your vehicle's
approaching inspection/servicing
period.
Owner Maintenance
Precautions
The owner or a qualified service
technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to
ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an
authorized dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
When refueling perform inspection
of:
Brake and clutch fluid level
Engine coolant level
Engine oil level
Washer fluid level
224
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
At least monthly perform inspection
of:
Tire inflation pressures
At least twice a year (for example,
every spring and fall) perform
inspection of:
Engine coolant
Engine oil
As explained in the “Introduction”
paragraph, several procedures can be
done only by a qualified service
technician with special tools.
For details, read the separate Warranty
Booklet provided with the vehicle. If you
are unsure about any servicing or
maintenance procedure, have it done
by an authorized dealer.
There are strict environmental laws
regarding the disposal of waste oil and
fluids. Please dispose of your waste
properly and with due regard to the
environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil
and fluid changes of your vehicle to an
authorized dealer. Periodic Checks
Every 620 miles (1,000 km) or before
long trips check and, if necessary, top
off:
Engine coolant level.
Brake fluid level.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Tire inflation pressure and condition.
Operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.).
Operation of windshield
washer/wiper system and
positioning/wear of windshield wiper
blades.
Every 1860 miles (3,000 km) check
and top off the engine oil level if
required.
Heavy-Duty Use Of The
Vehicle
If the vehicle is used under one of the
following conditions:
Dusty roads.
Short, repeated trips less than 4.4 -
5 miles ( 7-8km)atsub -zero outside
temperatures.
Engine idling for long periods of time
or driving long distances at low speeds
or long periods of inactivity. The following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
Check front disc brake pad condition
and wear.
Check cleanliness of underhood area
and all door and trunk locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage.
Visually inspect conditions of the:
engine, transmission, lines and hoses
(exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and
rubber elements (hoses/belts/etc.).
Check battery charge and battery
fluid level.
Visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts.
Check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace
cabin air filter.
Check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
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.
225
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Visual inspect the
condition and tensioning of
the accessory drive belt. •• •
Replace the accessory
drive belt.
**** •
Inspect and replace PCV
valve if necessary. •
Change engine oil and
replace oil filter.
* In accordance with Oil Change Indicator System OR Severe Duty Mileage, whichever occurs first.
Replace spark plugs (1.4L
Turbo engine).
** ••• • •
****Replace belt every 40,000 miles (60,000 km) for use on dusty roads.
*The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out when indicated by a warning light or message on the instrument panel, or in any case should not exceed one
year.
**The spark plug change is distance based only, yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essential to ensure correct operation and prevent serious damage to
the engine: Only use spark plugs of the same make and type which are specially certified for such engines (refer to “Engine” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information).
Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement interval given in the scheduled servicing plan for spark plug replacement.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any questions.
229
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 123 456789101112131415
Or Kilometers:
16,000
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Replace engine air filter.
# ••• • •
Replace Cabin Air Filter – If
Equipped.
*** •••• • • •
Flush and replace the
engine coolant at 10 years
or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever
comes first. ••
Replace the timing belt
(1.4L Turbo Engine). •
#The engine air cleaner should be inspected at every oil change if used in dusty areas.
***Replace every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or two years. Replacement every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or one year in dusty conditions or as optional/suggested
replacement.
Warning!You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.
230
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT Checking Levels 07030300-121-003
1 — Window Washer Reservoir 4 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 5 — Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Cap 6 — Battery
231
Engine Oil
Warning!Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.
Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury.
Loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.
Note: Do not overfill the engine oil.
This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine oil consumption
During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km). Engine Coolant
Warning! Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan
motor lead before working near the radiator
cooling fan.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts
automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot. 07030403-121-001
Engine Compartment
1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap
232
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake
fluid or fluid that has been in a tightly
closed container. Keep the master cylinder
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 to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, 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.
Windshield And
Headlight Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir, open the cap and add fluid if
necessary. Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable. But use only washer fluid in
cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
Automatic Transmission
Control Unit
The transmission oil level should only be
checked at your authorized dealer.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
Keep it securely mounted.
Keep the top clean and dry.
Keep terminals and connections
clean, tight, and coated with petroleum
jelly or terminal grease.
Rinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda. If the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
leads and charge the battery every six
weeks.
Battery Replacement
Contact your authorized dealer to
purchase a replacement battery.
Warning! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling. 07030901-121-001
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
234
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE