•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
•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 nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-spected periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under hood services,
or immediately if the brake system warning light
is on.
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 require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However,low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir sup-
plies fluid to both the brake system and the
clutch release system. The two systems are
separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system
should not require fluid replacement during
the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it
may be a result of a leak in the hydraulic
clutch release system. See your local autho-
rized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
266
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans-
mission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore,
do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-
sion. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your trans-
mission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions.Routine fluid level checks are not required,
therefore the transmission filler tube is capped
and no dipstick is provided. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using special service tools. If you notice fluid
leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your
authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe trans-
mission damage may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle. However, if
the vehicle is frequently driven on rough or
unpaved roads, on mountain roads, on short
trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,or is used for frequent trailer towing, police,
fleet, taxi, etc., change the fluid as indicated in
the Maintenance Schedule. In addition, change
the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If
Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (CVT)
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid which has the spe-
cial friction coefficient additives necessary for
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven
pulleys. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid 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.
268
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause belt slip and result in a complete
transmission failure! Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, And Genuine Parts” in this section for
fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans-
mission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore,
do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-
sion. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely affect seals.CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your trans-
mission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required,
therefore the transmission filler tube is capped
and no dipstick is provided. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using special service tools. If you notice fluid
leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your
authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe trans-
mission damage may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the"Maintenance Schedule"for the
proper maintenance intervals. In addition,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended
transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
269
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug.
The fluid level should be between the bottom of
the fill hole and a point not more than 3/16 inch
(4.7 mm) below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will give satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid
changes are not necessary unless lubricant has
become contaminated with water.
NOTE:
If contaminated with water, the fluid should
be changed immediately.Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) —
AWD/4WD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for
leakage. If leakage is detected, check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level
should be maintained between the bottom of
the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) —
AWD/4WD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for
leakage. If leakage is detected, Check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level
should be maintained between the bottom of
the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
270
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Schedule — Gasoline
Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in
this manual must be done at the times or
mileages specified to protect your vehicle war-
ranty and ensure the best vehicle performance
and reliability. More frequent maintenance may
be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should also
be done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched-
uled maintenance.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “CHANgE
OIL” will flash in the instrument cluster odom-
eter and a single chime will sound, indicating
that an oil change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illuminate
approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km) after the
most recent oil change was performed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within 500 miles (800 km). However, an earlieroil change at 4,500 miles (7,500 km) may be
required if the vehicle is operated under “Se-
vere Duty Conditions” later in this section.
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle’s oil if it has been 12
months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an ex-
tended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil
change. If this scheduled oil change is per-
formed by someone other than your dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument ClusterDescription/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on
level ground will improve the accuracy of the
oil level reading. Add oil only when the level
is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and
add if required.
•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.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir,
automatic transmission, brake master cylin-
der and power steering and fill as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for
correct operation.
284
High Beam/Low Beam Select......98
Instrument Cluster............96
License..................280
Lights On Reminder............97
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) .129
Map Reading...............99
Park...................136
Passing..................98
Seat Belt Reminder...........123
Security Alarm..........15, 16, 125
Service..................279
Side Repeater..............279
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) . . .130
Traction Control.............193
Turn Signal......60, 96, 97, 136, 280
Warning (Instrument Cluster
Description)............126, 136
Locks......................21
Automatic Door..............22
Child Protection..............23
Door....................21
Power Door................21
Steering Wheel..............13
Lubrication, Body...............261
Lug Nuts...................228
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack).........114Lumbar Support................91
Maintenance Free Battery..........258
Maintenance Procedures..........256
Maintenance Schedule.........284, 285
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)..............129
Manual Transaxle..............165
Fluid Level Check............270
Lubricant Selection...........270
Manual Transmission..........166, 269
Fluid Level Check............270
Frequency Of Fluid Change......270
Lubricant Selection...........269
Map/Reading Lights..............99
Master Cylinder (Brakes)..........266
Methanol..................
.210
Methanol Fuel................210
Mirrors.....................65
Automatic Dimming............65
Electric Powered.............66
Exterior Folding..............66
Heated...................66
Outside..................65
Rearview..................65
Vanity...................66Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle.......8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System.......204
MOPAR Parts.................256
Multi-Function Control Lever.........96
Navigation System (Uconnect GPS). . . .149
New Vehicle Break-In Period.........57
Occupant Restraints..............26
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).......210
Oil Change Indicator.............140
Oil Change Indicator, Reset.........140
Oil Filter, Change...............258
Oil Filter, Selection..............258
Oil Pressure Light..............126
Oil, Engine...............256, 280
Capacity.................280
Change Interval.............257
Checking.................256
Disposal.................258
Filter...................258
Filter Disposal..............258
Identification Logo............257
Materials Added To...........258
Pressure Warning Light.........126
Recommendation.........257, 280
322