SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE
CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury
or death.
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They con-
tain carbon monoxide (CO), which is col-
orless and odorless. Breathing it can make
you unconscious and can eventually poi-
son you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage
or in confined areas any longer than
needed to move your vehicle in or out of
the area.
• If you are required to drive with the
trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure
that all windows are closed and the cli-
mate control BLOWER switch is set at
high speed. DO NOT use the recircula-
tion mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force out-
side air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body ar-
eas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immedi-
ately. Do not disassemble or modify the sys-
tem.
131
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 the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
133
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play“ in “Getting to Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM”
message appears in the instrument cluster
display, have the system checked by an au-
thorized dealer.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
3.6L & 5.7L Engines
A long break-in period is not required for the
drivetrain (engine, transmission, clutch, and
rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. However, wide-open
throttle acceleration in low gear can be det-
rimental and should be avoided.The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle
lubricant installed at the factory is high-
quality and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and
lubricant changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate and conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in "Techni-
cal Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as an indication of difficulty. Please check
your oil level with the engine oil indicator
often during the break in period. Add oil as
required.
Diesel Engine
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 under
load.
• 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 tow-
ing or no load operation will extend the time
before the engine is at full efficiency. Re-
duced fuel economy and power may be seen
at this time.
143
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 accel-
eration.
• 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 accel-
eration 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.
300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
• Exercise the full engine rpm range, shifting
manually (paddles or gear shift) at higher
rpms when possible.
• Do not perform sustained operation with
the accelerator pedal at wide open throttle.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph
(136 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
For the first 1500 miles (2414 km):
• Do not participate in track events, sport
driving schools, or similar activities during
the first 1500 mi (2414 km).
NOTE:
Check engine oil with every refueling and add
if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher through the first oil change inter-
val. Running the engine with an oil level
below the add mark can cause severe engine
damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING
144
Bulb Replacement
High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID)
— If Equipped
The headlamps are a type of high voltage
discharge tube. High voltage can remain in
the circuit even with the headlamp switch off
and the key removed.Because of this, you
should not attempt to service a headlamp bulb
yourself. If a headlamp bulb fails, take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A transient high voltage occurs at the bulb
sockets of High Intensity Discharge (HID)
headlamps when the headlamp switch is
turned ON. It may cause serious electrical
shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for ser-
vice.NOTE:
On vehicles equipped with High Intensity
Discharge (HID) headlamps, when the head-
lamps are turned on, there is a blue hue to
the lamps. This diminishes and becomes
more white after approximately 10 seconds,
as the system charges.
Halogen Headlamps — If Equipped
NOTE:
Lens fogging can occur under certain atmo-
spheric conditions. This will usually clear as
atmospheric conditions change to allow the
condensation to change back to vapor. Turn-
ing the lamps on will usually accelerate the
clearing process.
1. Open the hood.
2. Access the back of the headlamp.
NOTE:
• The air filter housing must be removed.
• The windshield washer reservoir may
need to be rotated out of the way by
removing the fastener.
• Coolant reservoir (if equipped) will
need to be repositioned by removingthe fasteners, and moving the unit out
of the way.
3. To access the low beam bulb you must
remove the rubber boot seal from back-
side of the lamp housing.
NOTE:
Ensure the rubber boot is properly rein-
stalled to prevent water and moisture from
entering the lamp.
CAUTION!
•Do not contaminate the bulb glass by
touching it with your fingers or by allow-
ing it to contact other oily surfaces.
Shortened bulb life will result.
• Always use the correct bulb size and type
for replacement. An incorrect bulb size
or type may overheat and cause damage
to the lamp, the bulb socket, or the lamp
wiring.
4. Turn the low or high beam bulb one–
quarter turn counterclockwise to remove
from housing.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector and
replace the bulb.IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
200
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Scheduled Servicing — Non SRT
The scheduled services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages speci-
fied to protect your vehicle warranty and
ensure the best vehicle performance and re-
liability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating con-
ditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should
also be done anytime a malfunction is sus-
pected.
The oil change indicator system will remind
you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
In the instrument cluster an “Oil Change
Required” message will be displayed and a
single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illuminate
approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km) after
the most recent oil change was performed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
500 miles (800 km).
NOTE:
•
The oil change indicator message will not moni-
tor the time since the last oil change. Change
your vehicles oil if it has been 12 months since
your last oil change even if the oil change
indicator message is NOT illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an extended
period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil
change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If this scheduled
oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can
be reset by referring to the steps described
under ”Instrument Cluster Display” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
• Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil level while the vehicle is
on level ground will improve the accuracy ofthe oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
Once a Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear.
• Inspect the battery and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser-
voir, and brake master cylinder; add fluid as
needed.
• Check all lights and other electrical items
for correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance
items may result in damage to the vehicle.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
230
Maintenance Plan — Gasoline Engine
Mileage or time passed (which-
ever comes first)
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Kilometers or time passed (which-
ever comes first):
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change engine oil and oil
filter. ††XXXXXXXXXX X X X XXXXX X X
Rotate tires X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
If using your vehicle for any of
the following: Dusty or off-road
conditions. Inspect the engine
air cleaner filter, replace if nec-
essary.XXX X X X X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, re-
place if necessary.XXX X X X X X X X
Inspect exhaust system. X X X X X X X
Inspect CV Joints. X X X X X X X X X X
Visually inspect condition of:
exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (ex-
haust - fuel system - brakes),
rubber elements (boots, sleeves,
bushings, etc.)XXX X X X X X X X
Inspect the front suspension, tie
rod ends and boot seals, replace
if necessary.XX X X X X
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Severe Duty Conditions
†† Change the engine oil and engine oil filter
at every 4500 miles (7,500 km) or
12 months if using your vehicle under any of
the following severe duty conditions:
• Stop and go driving.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
• Trailer towing.
• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial
service).
• Off-road or desert operation.
Scheduled Servicing — SRT
The scheduled services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages speci-
fied to protect your vehicle warranty and
ensure the best vehicle performance and re-
liability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating con-
ditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should
also be done anytime a malfunction is sus-
pected.The oil change indicator system will remind
you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
The Instrument Cluster Display will display
an “Oil Change Required” message and a
single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate.
This means that service is required for your
vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km).
NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six
months since your last oil change, even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an extended
period of time.• Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
or six months, whichever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil
change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil
change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be
reset by referring to the steps described un-
der “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in this
guide.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine
Compartment” in this section for further
information.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
Once A Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
• Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten
the terminals as required.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
234