
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight. Checking
engine oil level when the engine is cold will give you an
incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone which depicts the MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at the low
end of the indicated range will result in the oil level at the
full end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine will
cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil pressure
and an increase in oil temperature. This could damage
your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill cap is replaced
and tightened after adding oil.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition switch to
the OFF position. The fan is temperature controlled
and can start at any time the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
• 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.
286 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compart-
ment” in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifi-
cation mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number
should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are
followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service sta-
tion or governmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR engine oil filters are high quality oil filters
and are recommended.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 289

cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants ap-
proved by the manufacturer for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flam-
mable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the sys-
tem to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, in the owner ’s informa-
tion kit.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-
der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condition-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealer or other service
facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system PAG
compressor oil and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is
running, or while the ignition is in the ACC or ON/
RUN mode. With the cabin air filter removed and the
blower operating, the blower can contact hands and
may propel dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.
290 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) — AWD/4WD Models
Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer ’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between the
bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) — AWD/4WD Models
Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between the
bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
304 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capability,
the remaining system will still function with some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased
pedal travel during application and greater pedal force re-
quired to slow or stop. In addition, if the malfunction is caused
by an internal leak, as the brake fluid in the master cylinder
drops, the “Brake Warning Light” will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking perfor-
mance or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It
will take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make
your vehicle harder to control. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench.
Torque Specifications
Lug Nut/Bolt Torque **Lug Nut/Bolt SizeLug Nut/
Bolt
Socket Size
100 Ft-Lbs (135 N·m) M12 x 1.5 19 mm
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 333

Gear Ranges........................ .206, 211
Special Additives .....................301, 303
Axle Fluid ...............................342
Battery ..................................114
Charging System Light .....................114
Belts, Seat ............................... .192
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................292
B-Pillar Location .......................... .309
Brake Assist System ........................ .132
Brake Fluid ...............................342
Brake, Parking ............................ .200
Brakes ................................. .332
Brake System ..........................299, 332
Master Cylinder ........................ .299
Parking ...............................200
Warning Light ...........................112
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................205
Bulb Replacement ..........................245
Bulbs, Light .......................... .194, 245
Calibration, Compass ........................108
Camera, Rear ............................ .219
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........339
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .339Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .221
Oil (Engine) ..................... .284, 285, 288
Power Steering ..........................215
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................297
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................191, 338
Cargo Area Cover ...........................75
Cargo Area Features .........................75
Cargo Compartment .........................75
Light ..................................75
Luggage Carrier ..........................92
Cargo Light ...............................75
Cargo Load Floor ...........................76
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................77
Car Washes ...............................326
Cellular Phone ........................ .371, 401
Center High
Mounted Stop Light ...............247
Certification Label ..........................222
Chains, Tire ............................. .323
Changing A Flat Tire .....................251, 305
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .127
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............191
Checks, Safety ............................ .191
Child Restraint ............................174
12
INDEX 413

Dimmer Switch, Headlight.....................47
Dipsticks Power Steering ..........................215
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................298
Door Locks Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors .......32
Door Locks ..............................29
KeyFob................................29
Remote ................................29
Remote Keyless Entry ......................29
Door Locks, Automatic .......................30
Door Opener, Garage .........................78
Downshifting ............................ .204
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................35
Driving ................................. .236
Off-Pavement .......................... .236
Off-Road ............................. .236
Electrical Power Outlets .......................89
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................46
Electronic Brake Control System ................131
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................130
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................138
Traction Control System ....................134 Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.........216
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............134
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........115
Emergency, In Case Of Jacking ............................251, 305
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Towing ............................... .274
Emission Control System Maintenance ............127
Engine ...............................284, 285
Air Cleaner ............................ .291
Block Heater ............................199
Break-In Recommendations .................199
Checking Oil Level .......................286
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................287, 295, 340
Cooling ............................286, 294
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................191, 338
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Oil ............................288, 339, 340
Oil
Filler Cap .....................284, 285, 288
Oil Filter ...............................289
Oil Selection ............................288
Oil Synthetic ............................289
Overheating ............................270
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........173, 276
Ethanol ................................. .335
12
INDEX 415

Exhaust Gas Caution.....................191, 338
Exhaust System ........................191, 293
Exterior Lights ..........................47, 194
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .291
Air Conditioning ..................... .66, 290
Engine Oil ..........................289, 340
Engine Oil Disposal .......................289
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .245
Turn Signal ..................... .123, 194, 247
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .198
Fluid, Brake ............................. .342
Fluid Capacities ............................339
Fluid Leaks ...............................194
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ..................... .303
Automatic Transmission ....................302
Cooling System ..................... .287, 295
Power Steering ..........................215
Fog Lights ............................ .48, 246
Folding Rear Seat ...........................38
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................245
Four Wheel Drive ..........................214 Systems
...............................214
Four Wheel Drive Operation ..................214
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .272
Fuel ................................... .335
Adding ...............................221
Additives ............................. .337
Capacity ...............................339
Clean Air ............................. .335
Ethanol ...............................335
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .221
Gasoline ...............................335
Light .................................121
Materials Added ........................ .337
Methanol ............................. .335
Octane Rating ........................335, 340
T
ank Capacity .......................... .339
Fueling ................................. .221
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .............78, 83
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ..............126, 221, 222
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .335
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................ .335, 339
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .335
Gear Ranges .......................... .206, 211
Gear Select Lever Override ....................271
416 INDEX