
Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recom-
mended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills.
In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better
acceleration when you desire to resume speed. Downshift
progressively. Do not skip gears to avoid overspeeding the
engine and clutch.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip, and the vehicle could skid.
CAUTION!
•Skipping gears and downshifting into lower gears at
higher vehicle speeds can damage the engine and
clutch systems, Any attempt to shift into lower gear
with clutch pedal depressed may result damage to
the clutch system. Shifting into lower gear and
releasing the clutch may result in engine damage.
• When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift
one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
which can cause engine damage, and/or clutch dam-
age, even if the clutch pedal is pressed. If transfer
case is in low range the vehicle speeds to cause
engine and clutch damage are significantly lower.
• Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine damage and/or
damage the clutch, even if the clutch pedal is
pressed.
• Descending a hill in low range with clutch pedal
depressed could result in clutch damage.
Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds
CAUTION!
Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed
and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch pedal
is pressed.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Gear Selection 6 to 5 5 to 44 to 33 to 2 2 to 1
Maximum Speed 80 (129) 70 (113)50 (81)30 (48) 15 (24)
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift at
too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may cause
the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is selected
and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to the clutch
and the transmission can result from skipping a gear
while downshifting or downshifting at too high of a
vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal is held pressed
(i.e., not released).
NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your vehicle is equipped with a state of the art, fuel
efficient nine-speed transmission.
The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed beside
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster display. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK, or to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds (refer to
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock Sys-
tem in this section). Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
(Continued)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 263

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the trans-
mission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmis-
sion Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may operate differently until the transmission
cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and rear-
ward. This allows the driver to manually select the trans-
mission gear being used. Moving the gear selector forward
(-) triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The
current gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the gear selector
rearward (+) or forward (-), except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine overspeed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first or
second gear (depending on model) when coming to a
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 269

and hold the lock button on the gear selector. Then shift
back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE (with auto-
matic transmission) or SECOND GEAR and REVERSE
(with manual transmission), while gently pressing the
accelerator.
Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels
or racing the engine.
For Vehicles With Automatic Transmission:
Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved
at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE
or REVERSE.
NOTE:Push the ESC Off switch (if necessary), to place
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Off
mode, before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control” in “Safety” for further information. Once
the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch again
to restore ESC Onmode.WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead
to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
for at least one minute after every five rocking-
motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of clutch or transmission failure
during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE/ SECOND gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
(Continued)
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 367

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
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: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
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
Check operation of lighting sys-
tem (headlamps, direction indi-
cators, hazard warning lights,
luggage compartment, passen-
ger compartment, glove com-
partment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.). •••••••••••••••
Check and, if necessary, top up
fluid levels (brakes/hydraulic
clutch, windshield washer, bat-
tery, engine coolant, etc.). •••••••••••••••
Check engine control system
operation (via diagnostic tool). •••••••••••••••
Visually inspect condition of:
exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (ex-
haust - fuel system - brakes),
rubber elements (boots,
sleeves, bushings, etc.). •••• • • •
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 377

NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both the
brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does not indicate any
leaks or other problems, it may be a result of a leak in the
hydraulic clutch release system. See your local authorized
dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” section for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer ’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in the “Technical
Specifications” section for further information. Us-
ing the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall clutch
system performance. Improper brake fluids may dam-
age the clutch system resulting in loss of clutch func-
tion and the ability to shift the transmission.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 399

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs We recommend you use Mopar Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 1.4L Turbo Engine 91 Octane Recommended, 87 Octane Acceptable, 0-15%
Ethanol
Fuel Selection – 2.4L Engine 87 Octane, 0-15% Ethanol
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Manual Transmission – If Equipped We recommend you use Mopar C Series Manual & Dual
Dry Clutch Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmis-
sion.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) – If Equipped We recommended you use Mopar Front Axle/PTU Syn-
thetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5).
Rear Differential (RDM) – If Equipped We recommended you use Mopar Rear Axle/RDM Syn-
thetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5).
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4. If DOT 4 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 3 is acceptable.
DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every 2 year regardless
of mileage.
440 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Older Children And Child Restraints...........230
Seating Positions ........................ .232
Child Safety Locks ..........................37
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .435
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .419
Climate Control ............................66
Manual ................................66
Clutch ................................. .398
Clutch Fluid ............................. .398
Coin Holder ..............................116
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .253
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .418
Connector UCI ................................. .475
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........475
Console .................................116
Console, Floor .............................116
Contract, Service .......................... .496
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............396
Cooling System ........................ .384, 393
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................395
Coolant Capacity ........................ .438
Coolant Level ....................385, 394, 397
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................397 Drain, Flush, And Refill
....................394
Inspection ............................. .397
Points To Remember ..................... .397
Pressure Cap ........................... .396
Radiator Cap .......................... .396
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......394, 438, 439
Corrosion Protection ....................... .426
Cruise Light ....................... .159, 162, 163
Cupholders ...............................117
Customer Assistance ....................... .494
Customer Programmable Features ...............445
Daytime Running Lights ......................52
Dealer Service ............................ .386
Defroster, Rear Window .......................
64
Defroster, Windshield ....................... .245
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .....................52
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................368
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................397
Door Ajar ............................ .141, 142
Door Ajar Light ....................... .141, 142
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................38
Driving ................................. .306
502 INDEX