WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator coolingfan whenever the hood is raised. It can
start anytime the ignition switch is ON.
You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
WARNING!
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact.
You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
NOTE:
Be sure that the disconnected ends of the
cables do not touch while still connected to
the either vehicle.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the igni-
tion to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnec- essary electrical accessories.
3. Remove the protective cover over the re- mote positive (+)battery post. Pull up-
ward on the cover to remove it. 4. If using another vehicle to jump-start the
battery, park the vehicle within the
jumper cables reach, set the parking
brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground connec-
tion and personal injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump-starting proce-
dure could result in personal injury or
property damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged ve-
hicle.
Remote Battery Posts
1 — Remote Positive (+)Post
2 — Remote Negative (–)Post
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
222
NOTE:
Make sure at all times that unused ends of
jumper cables are not contacting each other
or either vehicle while making connections.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start
your vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system tested at your authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehi-
cle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough without engine
operation, the vehicle’s battery will dis-
charge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
Cable Connection
1. Connect the positive(+)end of the jumper
cable to the remote positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+)post of
the booster battery. 3. Connect the negative end
(-)of the jumper
cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable to the remote negative (-)
post of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-)post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause
the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific
ground point, do not use any other exposed
metal parts.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
CAUTION!
Do not run the booster vehicle engine
above 2000 rpm since it provides no
CAUTION!
charging benefit, wastes fuel and can
damage booster vehicle engine.
6. Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
Cable Disconnection
1. Disconnect the negative (-)end of the
jumper cable from the remote negative (-)
post of the discharged vehicle.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the nega- tive (-)jumper cable from the negative (-)
post of the booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the posi- tive (+)jumper cable from the remote
positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
5. Reinstall the protective cover over the remote positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
223
In order to move the vehicle in cases where
the transmission will not shift out of PARK
(such as a discharged battery), a Manual Park
Release is available.
Follow these steps to use the Manual Park
Release:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Open the center console and locate theManual Park Release cover, remove it by
snapping the cover away from the console
hinges. 3. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, push
the metal latch in towards the tether
strap.
4. While the metal latch is in the open posi- tion, simultaneously pull upwards on the
tether strap until the lever clicks and
latches in the released position. The
transmission is now out of PARK and the
vehicle can be moved.CAUTION!
Closing the armrest while the Manual Park
Release is activated may damage the
Manual Park Release mechanism, the
transmission, and/or the armrest.
NOTE:
To prevent the vehicle from rolling uninten-
tionally, firmly apply the parking brake.
To Disengage The Manual Park Release Le-
ver:
1. To disengage the Manual Park Release apply tension upward while pushing the
release latch towards the tether to unlock
the lever.
2. Once the tension has been released and the lever has been unlocked be sure it is
stowed properly and locks into position.
NOTE:
Be sure to replace the cover by snapping it
back in place.
Manual Park Release Cover Removed
Released Position
225
NOTE:
SRT vehicles and 4WD models without 4WD
LOW range should only be towed with all four
wheelsOFFthe ground.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required
to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only
tow bars and other equipment designed for
this purpose, following equipment manufac-
turer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing
device to main structural members of the
vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brack-
ets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, de-
frosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode, not the ACC
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to “Manual Park
Release” in this section for instructions on
shifting the transmission out of PARK for
towing.CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to
your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels OFFthe ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (with rear wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL. Refer to "Manual Park Release" in this
section for instructions on shifting the
transmission to NEUTRAL when the en-
gine is off.
• The towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). • The towing distance must not exceed
30 miles (48 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) or farther than 30 miles (48 km),
tow with the rear wheels OFFthe ground.
Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on
a flatbed, or with the front wheels raised and
the rear wheels on a towing dolly, or (when
using a suitable steering wheel stabilizer to
hold the front wheels in the straight position)
with the rear wheels raised and the front
wheels on the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or
farther than 30 miles (48 km) with rear
wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
228
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING NON-
SRT......................232
Maintenance Plan Non-SRT........233
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ......234
SCHEDULED SERVICING – SRT .235
Maintenance Plan – SRT..........236
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL
ENGINE.................. .239
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel Up To
B5 Biodiesel.................241
Additional Maintenance — B6 To
B20 Biodiesel ................242
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .....244
3.6L Engine.................244
5.7L Engine .................245
6.4L Engine .................246 3.0L Diesel Engine
.............247
Checking Oil Level — Gasoline Engine .248
Checking Oil Level — Diesel Engine . . .248
Adding Washer Fluid ............248
Brake System ................249
Automatic Transmission ..........250
Maintenance-Free Battery ........250
DEALERSERVICE .......... .251
Air Conditioner Maintenance.......251
Windshield Wiper Blades .........253
Cooling System ...............257
RAISINGTHEVEHICLE .......258
TIRES................... .258
Tire Safety Information..........258
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .......264
Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .......265Tire Rotation Recommendations
.....265
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA-
TION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADES................. .266
Treadwear...................266
Traction Grades ...............266
Temperature Grades .............267
STORINGTHEVEHICLE.......267
BODYWORK...............268
Body And Underbody Maintenance . . .268
Preserving The Bodywork .........268
INTERIORS............... .269
Seats And Fabric Parts...........269
Plastic And Coated Parts ..........270
Leather Parts .................270
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
231
SCHEDULED SERVICING
NON-SRT
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 fre-
quent 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 op-erating 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 pos-
sible, 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
intervals 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. 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 reser- voir, brake master cylinder and fill as
needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
232
SCHEDULED SERVICING –
SRT
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in
this manual must be done at the times or mile-
ages specified to protect your vehicle warranty
and ensure the best vehicle performance and
reliability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating condi-
tions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be
done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind
you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
The Instrument Cluster Display will display
an “Oil Change Required” message and a
single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will notmonitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six
months since your last oil change, even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended
period of time.
•
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or
six months, whichever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than your autho-
rized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in this guide.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check the engine oil level. Refer to “En- gine Compartment” in this section for fur-
ther information. • Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
Once A Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
• Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir, engine oil, brake master cylinder, and
add as needed.
• Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the
vehicle.
235
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Drain water from fuel filter assembly.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
240