MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ...........275
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . .276
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .276
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............277
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS .......................... .277
REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................278
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .278
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............279
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .279
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .282
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................282
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................282
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............283▫
Body Lubrication ..................... .285
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................285
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................286
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .286
▫ Cooling System ....................... .288
▫ Brake System ........................ .293
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................294
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................294
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ........................... .296
FUSES ............................... .300
▫ Underhood Fuses ...................... .301
▫ Interior Fuses ......................... .303
▫ Central
Unit Fuse Panel ..................306
7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Oil Fill Cap 7 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the applica-
tion of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped
clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil
and grease should be removed. Particular attention should
also be given to hood latching components to ensure
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-
vices, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations
of salt or road film.Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may
cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer
fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a
dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance of blades may be present with chattering, marks,
water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions are
present, clean the wiper blades or replace as necessary.
Wiper Service Position
If it is necessary to lift the blade from the windshield (In the
event of snow or blade replacement) Proceed as directed:
1. Rotate the end of the multifunction lever to the OFF position.
2. Turn the ignition to the MAR-ON position then to STOP.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285
3. After turning the ignition to the STOP, within twominutes move the right stalk upward, into the unstable
(“anti-panic”) position, for at least half of a second. The
windshield wiper then executes part of a stroke; at each
command, approximately 1/3 of a normal wiper stroke
is triggered.
NOTE: The previous operation can be repeated up to three
times. In order to move the blades to the most suitable
position.
4. Lift the blade from the windshield and proceed with the required operation.
5. Carefully lower the blade, bringing it back in contact with the windshield.
6. Bring the blade to the initial rest position, turning the ignition to MAR-ON.
NOTE: Do not operate the screen wiper with the blades
lifted from the windshield.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the engine
compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate
the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe clean
the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights. Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following page
for the required maintenance intervals.
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,
lines 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 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 319
Weight............................... .235
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............241
Traction ................................ .189
Traction Control .......................... .196
Trailer Towing ............................ .232
Cooling System Tips ..................... .241
Hitches ............................... .234
Minimum Requirements ....................236
Tips ................................. .240
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................235
Wiring ............................... .238
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .235
Trailer Weight ............................ .235
Transaxle Automatic ...........................11,178
Transmission ............................. .182
Automatic ...................... .181, 182, 294
Maintenance ........................... .294
Transporting Pets ...........................66
Tread Wear Indicators ...................... .217
Turn Signals ............................. .144
Uconnect Voice Command ....................169
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ..................220
Unleaded Gasoline ........................ .226Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt
.................32
Vehicle Certification Label ....................230
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ...............6
Vehicle Loading .....................207, 230, 232
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .................7
Vehicle Storage ........................ .166, 307
Viscosity, Engine Oil ....................... .281
Voice Recognition System (VR) .................169
Warnings And Cautions .......................6
Warranty Information ...................... .327
Washers, Windshield ..................... .93, 286
Washing Vehicle .......................... .296
Water Driving Through ........................ .189
Wheel
And Wheel Trim ..................... .297
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................297
Wind Buffeting .............................23
Window Fogging .......................... .167
Windows .................................21
Power .................................21
Windshield Defroster .........................69
Windshield Washers ..................... .93, 286
Fluid ................................ .286
340 INDEX