The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained 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 complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust 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
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision
if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air
Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the
fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have your authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately. Refer to “Occupant
Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
234 SAFETY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................359
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .360
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............363
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................364
▫ 6.4L Engine ......................... .364
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........365
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................365
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................365
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .366
▫ Engine Oil — Gas Engine .................367
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .368
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................368
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............371▫
Front Driveshaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(Four-Wheel Drive Models Only) ............377
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............377
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .379
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................379
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .382
▫ Cooling System ....................... .384
▫ Brake System ........................ .388
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................389
▫ Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level .............................. .392
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .393
HOISTING ........................... .393
TIRES ............................... .394
▫ T
ire Safety Information ..................394
8
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti-
freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
the wiper blades clean. 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.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield
washer solution used with water as directed on the con-
tainer, aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to
avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 365
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gearposition (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
6. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
7. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
8. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to
bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use ONLY
the specified fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for fluid specifications). After adding any quan-
tity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum of
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmis-
sion before rechecking the fluid level. NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe
operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the
two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
60-70°F / 16-21°C for 66RFE transmission, or 68-86°F /
20-30°C for AS66RC transmission. Only use the COLD region
of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid
level after a transmission service or fluid change. Re-check
the fluid level, and adjust as required, once the transmission
reaches normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
9. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the park- ing brake.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmis-
sion after checking or replenishing fluid, make sure that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the dipstick
cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated position, as
long as its seal remains engaged in the dipstick tube.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 391
INTERIORS
Seats And Fabric Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in closed
areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with
a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply Mopar Total Clean, or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
• For grease stains, apply Mopar Multi-Purpose Cleaner
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue. •
Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE: If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning
loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft
cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
(Continued)
422 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Fluid Type......................... .389, 437
Shifting .............................. .248
Special Additives ........................ .390
Axle Fluid ........................ .392, 393, 437
Axle Lubrication ....................... .392, 393
Back-Up ................................ .286
Back-Up Camera .......................... .286
Battery .............................. .152, 365
Charging System Light ....................152
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................23
Belts, Seat ............................... .234
Body Builders Guide ..........................7
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................379
B-Pillar Location .......................... .400
Brake Assist System ........................ .166
Brake Control System, Electronic ................165
Brake Fluid .......................... .388, 437
Brake System ......................... .388, 426
Fluid Check ........................... .388
Master Cylinder ........................ .388
Parking .............................. .245
Warning Light .......................... .150
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................248
Bulb Replacement ......................... .325Bulbs, Light
.......................... .236, 325
Cab Top Clearance Lights .....................330
Camera ................................ .286
Camera, Rear ............................ .286
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........434
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .434
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .364, 368
Power Steering ......................... .269
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................386
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................233, 433
Cargo Light ...............................
75
Car Washes .............................. .421
Cellular Phone ........................... .486
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............328
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............113
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .339
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .396
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .160
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............233
Checks, Safety ............................ .233
Child Restraint ........................... .208
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .212
12
INDEX 513