Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
WARNING!
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH when using
“Track-Use” parts and equipment:
•NEVER use any “Track-Use” equipment on public
roads. FCA US LLC does not authorize the use of
“Track-Use” equipment on public roads.
• The intended use of “Track-Use” parts is for race
vehicles on race tracks. To help ensure the safety of
the race driver, engineers should supervise the instal-
lation of “Track-Use” parts.
• FCA US LLC does not authorize the installation or
use of any part noted as “Track-Use” on any new
vehicle prior to its first retail sale.
WARNING!
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
• ALWAYS remove any “Track-Use” equipment before
driving on public roads.
• ALWAYS properly use your three-point seat belts
when driving on public roads.
• In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled
up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle.
208 SAFETY
WARNING!(Continued)
•If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time.
Wait 60 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord. The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that is
located near the air box.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The following tips will be helpful in obtaining optimum
performance and maximum durability for your new SRT
vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class manufactur-
ing methods, the moving parts of the vehicle must still
wear in with each other. This wearing in occurs mainly
during the first 500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 217
It is recommended for the operator to observe the follow-
ing driving behaviors during the new vehicle break-in
period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
•Do not allow the engine to operate at idle for an
extended period of time.
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than
halfway to avoid rapid acceleration.
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph (88 km/h) and
observe local speed limits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than
halfway to avoid rapid acceleration in lower gears (1st to
3rd gears).
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 5,000 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph (112 km/h) and
observe local speed limits. 300 to 500 miles (483 to 805 km):
•
Exercise the full engine rpm range, shifting manually at
higher rpms when possible.
• Do not perform sustained operation with the accelerator
pedal at wide open throttle.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 85 mph (136 km/h) and
observe local speed limits.
For the first 1500 miles (2414 km):
• Do not participate in track events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the first 1500 miles (2414 km).
NOTE: Check engine oil with every refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher
through the first oil change interval. Running the engine
with an oil level below the add mark can cause severe
engine damage.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
PARK position.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering as-
sist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
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 be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an 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 235
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to thedeflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the valve
stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning ON the Tire
Service Kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the park-
ing brake engaged and the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
• After pushing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn Off the Tire Service
Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Push the Power Button (4) to turn On the Tire
Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode and the
pump is operating, air will dispense from the Air Pump
Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
306 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to thedeflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (3) onto the valve
stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning ON the Tire
Service Kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the park-
ing brake engaged and the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
• After pushing the Power Button (1), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (4) through the
Sealant Hose (3) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (3):
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn Off the Tire Service
Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (3) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (3) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode
Select Knob (2) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Push the Power Button (1) to turn On the Tire
Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (7) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (4) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (2) is on Air Mode and the
pump is operating, air will dispense from the Air Pump
Hose (5) only, not the Sealant Hose (3).
314 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................329
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine .................329
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................333
▫ 6.2L Supercharged Engine ................333
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................334
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................334
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................335
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .336
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .336
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .338
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................338
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............339
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............342
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .343▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................343
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .346
▫ Cooling System ....................... .348
▫ Brake System ........................ .352
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................354
▫ Rear Axle ........................... .355
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................356
TIRES ............................... .356
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................356
▫ Tires — General Information ..............365
▫ Tire Types ........................... .371
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................372
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............375
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............376
8