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 in the engine compartment
and should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reser-
voir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator anti-
freeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to flush
out any residual water.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
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, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, 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 233
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent
to the originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread
Wear Indicators” in this section. Refer to the Tire and
Loading Information placard or the Vehicle Certification
Label for the size designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear
tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect
your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.It is recommended you contact your authorized tire dealer
or original equipment dealer with any questions you may
have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed
rating other than that specified for your vehicle.
Some combinations of unapproved tires and wheels
may change suspension dimensions and perfor-
mance characteristics, resulting in changes to steer-
ing, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering
and suspension components. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 263
Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low Gloss
Clear Coat Wheels
CAUTION!
If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty
wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or
polishing compounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH ONLY US-
ING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A SOFT
CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this is all that is
required to maintain this finish.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage.
•Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on front tires only.
• Tire chains for a 225/75R16 tire with a Quality Chain
Corp Light Truck Highway Service (Non-Cam) tire chain
or equivalent is recommended.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs
that could indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 269
IDENTIFICATION DATA
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through
the windshield. This number also appears on the vehicle
frame and underbody as well as the Automobile Informa-
tion Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle,
the vehicle registration and title.
NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake sys-
tems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function. How-
ever, there will be some loss of overall braking effective-
ness. You may notice increased pedal travel during appli-
cation, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
potential activation of the “Brake System Warning Light”.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle, the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench using a high quality six sided (hex)
deep wall socket.
Vehicle Identification Number
280 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.6L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide optimum
fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “Regular”
gasoline having a posted octane number
of 87 as specified by the (R+M)/2
method. The use of higher octane “Pre-
mium” gasoline is not required, as it will not provide any
benefit over “Regular” gasoline in these engines.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87,
hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making
a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause
engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are specifi-
cally blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide improved
performance and durability of engine and fuel system
components.
Materials Added To Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane
rating, gasolines that contain detergents, corrosion and
stability additives are recommended. Using gasolines that
282 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............243
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .233
Additives, Fuel ........................... .282
AirBag..................................112 Air Bag Operation ........................114
Air Bag Warning Light .....................111
Enhanced Accident Response ................222
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................223
If A Deployment Occurs ....................119
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............122
Side Air Bags ...........................115
Transporting Pets ....................... .130
Air Bag Light ....................... .74, 111, 131
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .122
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......236
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................237
Air Conditioning Filter ....................52, 238
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............51, 53
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............237, 238
Air Conditioning System .....................237
Air Filter ............................... .236
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .259
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
................242, 286
Disposal .............................. .244
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................88
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................80
Assist, Hill Start ............................94
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .290
Auto Down Power Windows ...................54
Automatic Door Locks ........................23
Automatic Transaxle .........................18
Automatic Transmission ..................140, 248
Adding Fluid .......................... .248
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................248
Fluid Change .......................... .248
Fluid Level Check .................... .247, 248
Fluid
Type ......................... .247, 288
Special Additives ........................ .247
Battery .............................. .75, 233
Charging System Light .....................75
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................17
Belts, Seat ............................... .131
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................239
B-Pillar Location .......................... .254
Brake Assist System .........................90
322 INDEX
Brake Control System, Electronic................89
Brake Fluid .......................... .246, 288
Brake, Parking ............................ .139
Brake System ......................... .246, 280
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..........................88
Fluid Check ........................... .246
Master Cylinder ........................ .246
Parking .............................. .139
Warning Light ...........................76
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................142
Bulb Replacement ......................... .179
Bulbs, Light .......................... .133, 179
Camera, Rear ............................ .157
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .286
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .159
Oil (Engine) ........................... .232
Power Steering ......................... .150
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................244
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................131, 285
Cargo Area Features .........................57
Cargo Compartment .........................57
Cargo Light ...............................42
Car Washes .............................. .273Cellular Phone
........................... .306
Certification Label ......................... .161
Changing A Flat Tire .....................195, 248
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .250
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....84
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............130
Checks, Safety ............................ .130
Child Restraint ........................... .123
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .126
Child Restraints ........................ .123
Child Seat Installation .....................129
Infants And Child Restraints ................125
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........126
Clean
Air Gasoline ........................ .282
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .267
Climate Control ............................45
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .137
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................314
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .265
Contract, Service .......................... .318
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............244
Cooling System ........................... .241
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................243
12
INDEX 323
Coolant Capacity........................ .286
Coolant Level ....................... .242, 245
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................244
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................242
Inspection ............................. .245
Points To Remember ..................... .245
Pressure Cap ........................... .244
Radiator Cap .......................... .244
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........242, 286
Corrosion Protection ....................... .272
Cruise Light ...............................82
Cupholders ........................... .60, 276
Customer Assistance ....................... .316
Customer Programmable Features ...............291
Dealer Service ............................ .234
Defroster, Windshield ....................... .132
Diagnostic System, Onboard ....................82
Dimmer Control ............................43
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .....................39
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................248
Power Steering ......................... .150
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................221 Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................244
Door Ajar .................................75
Door Ajar Light ............................75
Door Locks ................................22
Door Locks, Automatic .......................23
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................23
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .174
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................35
Electronic Brake Control System .................89
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........150
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................90
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..........75
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................219
Jacking ........................... .195, 248
Jump Starting .......................... .214
Emission
Control System Maintenance ............84
Engine ................................. .232
Air Cleaner ............................ .236
Block Heater ........................... .138
Break-In Recommendations .................138
324 INDEX