
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
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
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.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed, and
284 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 287

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.
288 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 thefill 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.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the vehicle, go to
an authorized dealer or service station.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures and Tire
Loading.
302 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with
the engine off), the brakes will still function. However, the
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.
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 capabil-
ity, 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 required to slow or stop. In addition, if the malfunc-
tion 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 329

Gear Ranges........................ .204, 209
Special Additives .....................299, 301
Axle Fluid .............................. .338
Battery ................................. .102
Charging System Light ....................102
Belts, Seat ............................... .190
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................290
B-Pillar Location .......................... .306
Brake Assist System ........................ .132
Brake Fluid .............................. .338
Brake, Parking ............................ .198
Brakes ................................. .329
Brake System ......................... .297, 329
Master Cylinder ........................ .297
Parking .............................. .198
Warning Light .......................... .100
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................203
Bulb Replacement ......................... .243
Bulbs, Light .......................... .192, 243
Calibration, Compass ....................... .124
Camera, Rear ............................ .217
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........335
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .335Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .219
Oil (Engine) ..................... .282, 283, 286
Power Steering ......................... .213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................295
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................189, 334
Cargo Area Cover ...........................74
Cargo Area Features .........................74
Cargo Compartment .........................74
Light ..................................74
Luggage Carrier ..........................91
Cargo Light ...............................74
Cargo Load Floor ...........................75
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................76
Car Washes .............................. .324
Cellular
Phone........................ .367, 395
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............245
Certification Label ......................... .220
Chains, Tire ............................. .320
Changing A Flat Tire .....................249, 302
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .127
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............189
Checks, Safety ............................ .189
Child Restraint ........................... .174
12
INDEX 405

Dimmer Switch, Headlight.....................47
Dipsticks Power Steering ......................... .213
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................296
Door Locks Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors .......32
Door Locks ..............................28
KeyFob................................28
Remote ................................28
Remote Keyless Entry ......................28
Door Locks, Automatic .......................30
Door Opener, Garage .........................77
Downshifting ............................ .202
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................35
Driving ................................. .233
Off-Pavement .......................... .233
Off-Road ............................. .233
Electrical Power Outlets .......................87
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................45
Electronic Brake Control System ................131
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................130
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................138
Traction Control System ....................134 Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.........214
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............134
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........103
Emergency, In Case Of Jacking ........................... .249, 302
Jump Starting .......................... .265
Towing ............................... .272
Emission Control System Maintenance ............127
Engine .............................. .282, 283
Air Cleaner ............................ .289
Block Heater ........................... .197
Break-In Recommendations .................197
Checking Oil Level ...................... .284
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................284, 293, 336
Cooling ........................... .284, 292
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................189, 334
Jump Starting .......................... .265
O
il ........................... .286, 335, 336
Oil Filler Cap .....................282, 283, 286
Oil Filter .............................. .287
Oil Selection ........................... .286
Oil Synthetic ........................... .287
Overheating ........................... .268
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........172, 274
Ethanol ................................. .331
12
INDEX 407

Exhaust Gas Caution.....................189, 334
Exhaust System ....................... .189, 291
Exterior Lights ......................... .46, 192
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .289
Air Conditioning ..................... .65, 288
Engine Oil ......................... .287, 336
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .287
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .243
Turn Signal ......................113, 192, 245
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .196
Fluid, Brake ............................. .338
Fluid Capacities ........................... .335
Fluid Leaks .............................. .192
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ..................... .301
Automatic Transmission ....................300
Cooling System ..................... .284, 293
Power Steering ......................... .213
Fog Lights ............................ .48, 245
Folding Rear Seat ...........................38
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................243
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .212Systems
.............................. .212
Four Wheel Drive Operation ..................212
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .270
Fuel ................................... .331
Adding .............................. .219
Additives ............................. .333
Capacity .............................. .335
Clean Air ............................. .331
Ethanol .............................. .331
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .219
Gasoline .............................. .331
Light ................................ .109
Materials Added ........................ .333
Methanol ............................. .331
Octane
Rating....................... .331, 336
Tank Capacity .......................... .335
Fueling ................................. .219
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .............77, 82
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ..............127, 219, 220
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .331
Gasoline (Fuel) ........................ .331, 335
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .331
Gear Ranges .......................... .204, 209
Gear Select Lever Override ....................269
408 INDEX