Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
placing the ignition in the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light
should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or
a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate,
have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition placed in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
CAUTION!(Continued)
waterthat is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
Engine Oil
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.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the
MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals 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.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum In-
stitute (API). The manufacturer only rec-
ommends API Certified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and
10W-30 engine oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.6L Engine
MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material
Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or equiva-
lent is recommended for all operating temperatures. This
engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using 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
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
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 reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and 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 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 321
Pressure Cap........................... .292
Radiator Cap .......................... .292
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......291, 315, 316
Corrosion Protection ....................... .297
Cruise Light ..............................119
Cupholders ........................... .94, 301
Customer Assistance ....................... .326
Customer Programmable Features ...............144
Dealer Service ............................ .280
Defroster, Windshield ........................51
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................278
Dimmer Control ............................75
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .....................76
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................296
Oil (Engine) ........................... .281
Power Steering ......................... .189
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................272
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................293
Door Ajar ............................... .104
Door Ajar Light ........................... .104
Door Locks ................................17
Door Locks, Automatic .......................18 Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .187
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................59
Electronic Brake Control System ................191
Brake Assist System ...................... .193
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..........82
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............193
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........105
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................271
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Emission Control System Maintenance ............279
Engine Air Cleaner ............................ .284
Block Heater ........................... .177
Break-In Recommendations ..................49
Checking Oil Level ...................... .281
Compartment .......................... .277
Compartment
Identification .................277
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................290, 316
Cooling .............................. .290
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................50, 226
Fails To Start ........................... .176
336 INDEX
Flooded, Starting........................ .176
Fuel Requirements ....................223, 315
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Oil ........................... .281, 315, 316
Oil Filter .............................. .283
Oil Selection ........................ .282, 315
Oil Synthetic ........................... .283
Overheating ........................... .242
Starting .............................. .176
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .282
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................282
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............274
Entry System, Illuminated .....................14
Ethanol ................................. .224
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................50, 226
Exhaust System ........................ .50, 284
Exterior Lighting ............................74
Exterior Lights .............................53
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .284
Air Conditioning .....................164, 287
Engine Oil ......................... .283, 316
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .283Flashers
Hazard Warning ........................ .242
Turn Signal ......................... .53, 118
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .176
Fluid Capacities ........................... .315
Fluid Leaks ...............................53
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................296
Brake ................................ .294
Cooling System ......................... .290
Power Steering ......................... .189
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............316
Fog Lights ................................76
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................242
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .271
Fuel ................................... .223
Adding .............................. .227
Additives ............................. .225
Clean
Air ............................. .223
Ethanol .............................. .224
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .227
Gasoline .............................. .223
Materials Added ........................ .225
Methanol ............................. .224
Octane Rating ....................... .223, 316
Requirements ....................... .223, 315
10
INDEX 337