
STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, apply the parking brake and remove
the key fob from the ignition. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
• The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
• If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked,
rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on
the locking mechanism and then turn the key.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting out
of PARK.
Tip Start
Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to the
START position and release it as soon as the starter
engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will
disengage automatically when the engine is running. If the
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 197

DRIVING TIPS
On-Road Driving Tips
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design character-
istics give them a higher center of gravity than conven-
tional passenger cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-
road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-Road Driving Tips
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.
You should be familiar with the terrain and area before
proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:
hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow
and ice. Every surface has a different effect on your
vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Controlling yourvehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so
always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain
a good driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns
or braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted
speed limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use
your own good judgment on what is safe and what is not.
When on a trail, you should always be looking ahead for
surface obstacles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan
your future driving route while remembering what you are
currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other com-
bustible materials. The heat from your vehicle exhaust
system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road
situation.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. 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 filler tube is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using special service tools. If you notice fluid leakage or
transmission malfunction, visit you authorized dealer im-
mediately to have the 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.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (CVT)
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid which
has the special friction coefficient additives necessary for
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
302 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause belt slip and result
in a complete transmission failure! Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
fluid specifications.
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. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. 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
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your transmis-
sion fluid level using special service tools. If you notice
fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately to have the transmission 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
Refer to theMaintenance Plan for the proper maintenance
intervals. In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 303

INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in closed
areas they may cause respiratory harm.
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 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.).
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents, sun-
tan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic, painted, or
decorated surfaces of the interior may cause permanent
damage. Wipe away immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage caused by these type of products may not be
covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
328 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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

Child RestraintsBooster Seats ............................178
Child Restraints ........................ .174
Child Seat Installation .....................188
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........186
Infants And Child Restraints ................177
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......181
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........177
Seating Positions ........................ .180
Child Safety Locks ..........................32
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .335
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .322
Climate Control ............................55
Clock ............................... .345, 353
Clutch ................................. .299
Clutch Fluid ............................. .299
Coin Holder ...............................85
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .198
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................402
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .320
Compass .................................109
Compass Calibration ........................108
Compass Variance ..........................108 Connector
UCI ..................................366
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........366
Console ..................................85
Contract, Service .......................... .408
Coolant (Antifreeze) ........................ .339
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............297
Cooling System ........................ .286, 294
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................296
Coolant Level ....................287, 295, 298
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................298
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................295
Inspection ............................. .298
Points To Remember ..................... .298
Pressur e
Cap ............................297
Radiator Cap .......................... .297
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........295, 340
Corrosion Protection ........................326
Cupholders ...............................85
Customer Assistance ........................406
Dealer Service ............................ .287
Defroster, Windshield ........................192
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ....................52
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................125
414 INDEX