STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................137
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......137
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .137
▫ Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................137
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................137
▫ After Starting ......................... .138
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .138
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .138
PARKING BRAKE ...................... .139
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............140
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................141
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .142
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........142
POWER STEERING ..................... .149
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............150
SPEED CONTROL ...................... .150
▫ To Activate .......................... .151
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................151
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................151
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................152
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .153
▫ To Deactivate ......................... .153
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .153
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........153
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........154
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .156
6
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into
the ERS position, then tap it forward (-) repeatedly as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission
will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during
steady braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................227
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .228
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............231
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................232
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .232
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........233
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................233
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................233
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .234
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .235
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .236
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................236
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............237
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .239▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................239
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .240
▫ Cooling System ....................... .241
▫ Brake System ........................ .246
▫ Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only) .............................. .247
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................248
TIRES ............................... .248
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................248
▫ Tires — General Information ..............258
▫ Tire Types ........................... .264
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................265
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............267
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............269
8
Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
* The brake fluid change interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING!(Continued)
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• 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.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
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”. It
is important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission; 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, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical 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.
The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed transmissions.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 247
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Gasoline Engine Only Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend Mopar ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4.
DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two years
regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA
Material Standard MS-11655.
288 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
Compartment.......................... .232
Compartment Identification .................232
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................242, 286
Cooling .............................. .241
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................131, 285
Fails To Start ........................... .137
Flooded, Starting ........................ .137
Fuel Requirements ....................282, 286
Jump Starting .......................... .214
Oil .............................. .235, 286
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .232
Oil Filter .............................. .236
Oil Selection ........................ .235, 286
Oil Synthetic ........................... .236
Overheating ........................... .218
Starting .............................. .137
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .235
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................235
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............222
Entry System, Illuminated .....................44
Ethanol ................................. .283
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................131, 285
Exhaust System ....................... .131, 240
Exterior Lighting ............................39 Exterior Lights
......................... .38, 133
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .236
Air Conditioning ..................... .52, 238
Engine Oil ......................... .236, 286
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .236
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .179
Turn Signal ......................... .82, 133
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .137
Fluid Capacities ........................... .286
Fluid Leaks .............................. .134
Fluid Level Checks Automatic
Transmission ....................248
Brake ................................ .246
Cooling System ......................... .242
Power Steering ......................... .150
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .286
Fog Lights ................................40
Folding Rear Seat ...........................23
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................179
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .219
Fuel ................................... .282
Additives ............................. .282
12
INDEX 325