STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................155
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................155
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .155
▫ Cold Weather Operation .................155
▫ Extended Park Starting ...................156
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................156
▫ After Starting ......................... .156
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .157
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .157
PARKING BRAKE ...................... .158
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............160
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................161
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .161
▫ Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission .........161
POWER STEERING ..................... .168
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............169
SPEED CONTROL ...................... .170
▫ To Activate .......................... .170
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................171
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................171
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................172
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .172
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .172
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .173
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........173
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........174
▫ ParkSense
Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .175
6
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically, shift-
ing between all available gears.
Moving the gear selector to the ERS position (beside
DRIVE) will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top available
gear. Once in ERS mode, moving the gear selector forward
(-) or rearward (+) will change the top available gear, which
will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
To exit ERS mode, simply return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into
the ERS position, then simply press and hold it forward (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
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.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through your authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 169
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................237
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .238
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................241
▫ Engine Compartment — 2.4L ..............241
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................242
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................242
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................243
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .244
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .244
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .246
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................246
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............246
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .247
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................248 ▫
Exhaust System ....................... .249
▫ Cooling System ....................... .250
▫ Brake System ........................ .255
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................256
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................257
▫ Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped ..........258
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................261
TIRES ............................... .261
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................261
▫ Tires — General Information ..............271
▫ Tire Types ........................... .277
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................278
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............281
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............282
8
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 241
checked when pads are replaced. 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 And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its performance. 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 cylinder
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 unexpect-
edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid level with the vehicle on flat ground and
engine cold. Fluid should be between MIN and MAX
references on the reservoir body.
The level may go over the MAX line when oil is hot.
If topping off is required, make sure the oil you use is
approved. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
256 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING!
Because it is flammable, do not allow the power
steering fluid to come into contact with hot engine
parts
NOTE: Power steering fluid consumption is very low. If
you need to top off your fluid often and multiple times
have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Automatic Transmission
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 And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
NOTE: No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 257
CAUTION!(Continued)
introduced into the cooling system in an emergency,
the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed,
and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent.
Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your
transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4.
The fluid must be changed every 24 months. This interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-11655.
298 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS