warms up. The blower will increase in speed
and transition into Auto mode.
Manual Operation Override
This system offers a full complement of
manual override features. The AUTO symbol
in the front ATC display will be turned off
when the system is being used in the manual
mode.
NOTE:
The system will not automatically sense the
presence of fog, mist or ice on the wind-
shield. DEFROST mode must be manually
selected to clear the windshield and side
glass.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section
for suggested control settings for various
weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to pro-
vide proper corrosion protection and to pro-
tect against engine overheating. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and de-
froster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and
the proper amount, type, and concentration
of coolant is used. Use of the air Recircula-
tion mode during Winter months is not rec-
ommended, because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for
about five minutes, in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the
system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in
mild, rainy and/or humid weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in
front of the windshield, is free of obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air
intake may reduce airflow, and if they enter
the plenum, they could plug the water drains.
In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust
and pollen from the air. Contact your autho-
rized dealer to service your cabin air filter,
and to have it replaced when needed.
51
Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Base/SRT/Diesel• Base — Tachometer: Indicates the en-gine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
• SRT — Speedometer: Indicates vehicle speed.
• Diesel — Tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Base/SRT/Diesel
• Base — Speedometer: Indicates ve-hicle speed.
• SRT — Tachometer: Indicates the en- gine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
• Diesel — Speedometer: Indicates ve- hicle speed. 3. Temperature Gauge
• The temperature gauge shows enginecoolant temperature. Any reading
within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
• The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot
weather or up mountain grades. It
should not be allowed to exceed the
upper limits of the normal operating
range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant. You may want to
call an authorized dealer for service if your
vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the tempera-
ture gauge reads “H” pull over and stop
CAUTION!
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the “H”, turn the en-
gine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
4. Fuel Gauge • The pointer shows the level of fuel inthe fuel tank when the ignition is in the
ON/RUN position.
•
The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel door
is located.
5. Instrument Cluster Display • The instrument cluster display featuresa driver-interactive display. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
73
– Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
– Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. As engine coolant temperatures
rise and the gauge approachesH,this indica-
tor will illuminate and a single chime will
sound after reaching a set threshold.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the
temperature reading does not return to nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
– Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil temperature
is high. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as
soon as possible.
– Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on while the
engine is running, there may be a malfunc-
tion with the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with the electri-
cal system or a related component.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump-
Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency.”
– Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is run-
ning, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is
safely and completely stopped and the trans- mission is placed in the PARK position. The
light should turn off. If the light remains on
with the vehicle under power, your vehicle
will usually be drivable; however, see an au-
thorized dealer for service as soon as pos-
sible.
If the light continues to flash when the en-
gine vehicle under power, immediate service
is required and you may experience reduced
performance, and your vehicle may require
towing. The light will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position
and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
– Electric Power Steering Fail Warn-
ing Light
This warning light indicates that there is a
fault in your vehicle’s Electric Power Steering
system.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
82
WARNING!
clutch pedal (if present) to check for
interference. If your floor mat interferes
with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat
in your trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall
or slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals and could cause
a loss of vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These ob-
jects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
WARNING!
carpet to the floor and check the floor
mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle
carpet. Fully depress each pedal to
check for interference with the accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals then re-
install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat
has been properly installed and is se-
cured to your vehicle using the floor mat
fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the
tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, engine coolant, oil, or other
fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are de-
tected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are sus-
pected. The cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
145
Diesel Engines
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
SRT Engines
The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance and maximum dura-
bility for your new SRT Vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class
manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other.
This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.
It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the
new vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
• Do not allow the engine to operate at idle
for an extended period of time.
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than halfway to avoid rapid ac-
celeration.
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph (88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than halfway to avoid rapid ac-
celeration in lower gears (1st to 3rd gears).
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 5,000 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph (112 km/h) and observe local speed
limits.
STARTING AND OPERATING
156
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY
The funnel for the Cap-Less Fuel System is
located in the spare tire storage area. If your
vehicle is out of fuel and an auxiliary fuel can
is needed, insert the funnel into the filler
neck and proceed to fill the vehicle.
For more information on the Cap-Less Fuel
System refer to “Refueling The Vehicle” in
“Starting And Operating ” in this manual.
IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place thetransmission in NEUTRAL, but do not in-
crease the engine idle speed while prevent-
ing vehicle motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow
down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it
off. The A/C system adds heat to the en-
gine cooling system and turning the A/C
off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to
floor and the blower control to high. This
allows the heater core to act as a supple-
ment to the radiator and aids in removing
heat from the engine cooling system.WARNING!
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 or coolant
bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully apply-
ing the parking brake, before activating
the Manual Park Release. Activating the
Manual Park Release will allow your ve-
hicle to roll away if it is not secured by the
parking brake or by proper connection to a
tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park
Release on an unsecured vehicle could
lead to serious injury or death for those in
or around the vehicle.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
224
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
Mileage or time passed (whichever comesfirst)
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
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
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
240,000
Replace spark plugs.** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change transfer case fluid. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage
based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
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
WARNING!
service job, take your vehicle to a com-
petent 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.
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
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.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
234