
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extended engine idle time,
extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
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 under “Oil Change Reset”
in “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 350 hours of engine
run time or twelve months, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominantly at idle, or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 237

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°F ( 37°C)
are anticipated. Please contact an authorized dealer for
assistance.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
• Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant prop-
erly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead to
severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system, please contact a local autho-
rized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
The image on the coolant system pres-
sure cap is a reminder that the radiator
contains hot engine coolant under pres-
sure.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 253

WARNING!(Continued)
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open contain-
ers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the
“MIN” and “MAX” marks. The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point
or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
254 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid
level up to the requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to
fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 255

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2.4L Engine 16 Gallons60.5 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-20, API
Certified) 5.5 Quarts
5.2 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4 Liter Engine (Mopar Antifreeze/
Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula) 7.2 Quarts
6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant reservoir filled to MAX level.
296 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............252
Additives, Fuel ........................... .294
AirBag..................................119 Air Bag Operation ....................... .120
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .121
Enhanced Accident Response ................234
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................234
If A Deployment Occurs ....................126
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .121
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............127
Transporting Pets ....................... .147
Air Bag Light .......................... .83, 149
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .127
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......246
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................246
Air Conditioning Filter .......................55
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............54, 56
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............246, 247
Air Conditioning System .....................246
Air Filter ............................... .246
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .272
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................22
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................251, 296 Disposal
.............................. .254
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................96
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................87
Ashtray ..................................67
Assist, Hill Start ............................98
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .300
Auto Down Power Windows ...................58
Automatic Transaxle .........................19
Automatic Transmission ...............160, 161, 258
Adding Fluid ....................... .258, 298
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................258
Fluid Change .......................... .258
Fluid Level Check .................... .257, 258
Fluid
Type ......................... .257, 298
Special Additives ........................ .257
Auto Up Power Windows .....................58
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ..........65
Axle Lubrication .......................... .298
Battery .............................. .85, 243
Charging System Light .....................85
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Belts, Seat ............................... .149
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................247
332 INDEX

Manual................................49
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .155
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................323
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .279
Contract, Service .......................... .328
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............253
Cooling System ........................... .250
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................252
Coolant Capacity ........................ .296
Coolant Level .......................... .254
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................254
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................251
Inspection ......................... .251, 254
Points To Remember ..................... .254
Pressure Cap ........................... .253
Radiator Cap .......................... .253
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......251, 296, 297
Corrosion Protection ....................... .285
Cruise Light ...............................92
Cupholders ...............................65
Customer Assistance ....................... .326
Customer Programmable Features ...............301
Daytime Running Lights ......................42
Dealer Service ............................ .244Defroster, Windshield
....................... .149
Diagnostic System, Onboard ....................92
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................... .242
Power Steering ......................... .169
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................233
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................254
Door Ajar .................................85
Door Ajar Light ............................85
Door Locks ................................23
Doors ....................................23
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................29
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .192
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ..........
65
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................40
Electronic Brake Control System .................97
Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................167
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........170
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................99
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..........85
334 INDEX

Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck .................231
Jacking ........................... .209, 261
Jump Starting .......................... .225
Towing ............................... .233
Emission Control System Maintenance ............93
Engine ................................. .241
Air Cleaner ............................ .246
Block Heater ........................... .157
Break-In Recommendations .................157
Checking Oil Level ...................... .242
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .297
Cooling .............................. .250
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................148, 295
Fails To Start ........................... .156
Flooded, Starting ........................ .156
Jump Starting .......................... .225
Oil ........................... .244, 296, 297
Oil Filler Cap ....................... .241, 245
Oil Filter .............................. .246
Oil Selection ........................ .244, 296
Oil Synthetic ........................... .245
Overheating ........................... .230
Starting .............................. .155
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .245Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
....................245
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............234
Ethanol ................................. .293
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................148, 295
Exhaust System ....................... .148, 249
Exterior Lights ......................... .41, 151
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .246
Air Conditioning ..........................55
Engine Oil ......................... .246, 297
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .245
Flashers Hazar
d Warning ........................ .197
Turn Signal ......................... .91, 151
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .156
Fluid, Brake ............................. .298
Fluid Capacities ........................... .296
Fluid Leaks .............................. .151
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .255
Engine Oil ............................ .242
Power Steering ......................... .169
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .297
Fog Lights ................................43
12
INDEX 335