
Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer
towing, all starts must be in first gear to avoid
excessive clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting or changes in
engine speed occur while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a
lower gear ratio.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear ratio while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will
improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the transmission fluid and filter asspecified for"police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing."Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
AutoStick
•When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose"4"if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose"3"or"2"if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
•To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid ex-
tended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and increase en-
gine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
222

7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .253
•ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .254
•ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . ..........255
•Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity.......255
•Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message...................256
•REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
•MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......256
•Engine Oil................................256
•Engine Oil Filter............................258
•Engine Air Cleaner Filter.......................258
•Maintenance-Free Battery.......................258
•Air Conditioner Maintenance.....................259
•Body Lubrication............................261
•Windshield Wiper Blades.......................261
•Adding Washer Fluid.........................261
•Exhaust System............................262
•Cooling System............................263
•Brake System..............................266
•Automatic Transmission (6-Speed) — If Equipped........267
251

Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageAfter fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic sys-
tem can determine if the fuel filler cap is possi-
bly loose or improperly installed. A “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking”
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas
cap is properly tightened. Push the trip odom-
eter RESET button to turn off the message. If
the problem persists, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is
detected twice in a row, the system will turn on
the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR parts for normal/
scheduled maintenance and repairs is highly
recommended to ensure the designed perfor-
mance. Damage or failures caused by the use
of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance and re-
pairs will not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequired
maintenance services determined by the engi-
neers who designed your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in
the fixed “Maintenance Schedule”, there are
other components which may require servicing
or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when neces-
sary could result in more costly repairs,
damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by
an authorized dealer or qualified repair
center.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved
fluids that protect the performance and
durability of your vehicle and also allow
extended maintenance intervals. Do not
use chemical flushes in these components
as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use
only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, 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 engine is
shut off. Do not check oil level before starting
256

the engine after it has sat overnight. Checking
engine oil level when the engine is cold will give
you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground and only when the engine is hot, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the range mark-
ings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or
a crosshatch zone that says MIN at the low end
of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range. Adding one quart of oil when the reading
is at the low end of the indicated range will result
in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the
engine will cause oil aeration, which can lead
to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This could damage your en-
gine. Also, be sure the oil fill cap is replaced
and tightened after adding oil.Change Engine Oil – All Engines
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the manu-
facturer only recommends engine oils that are API
certified and meet the requirements of FCA Ma-
terial Standard MS-6395 or ACEA A1/B1.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine
Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol means that
the oil has been certified
by the American Petro-
leum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only rec-
ommends API Certified
engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine
oil as the chemicals can damage your en-
gine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
MOPAR SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. This
engine oil improves low temperature starting
and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom-
mended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For
information on engine oil filler cap location, refer
to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:
MOPAR SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to
FCA MS-6395 or FCA Material Standard
9.55535-CR1 may be used when SAE 5W-20
engine oil meeting FCA MS-6395 or FCA
Material Standard 9.55535-CR1 is not avail-
able.
257

Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If
you chose to use such a product, use only those
oils that are approved to FCA MS-6395 or FCA
Material Standard 9.55535-CR1. Follow the
maintenance schedule that describes your driv-
ing type.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact
your authorized dealer, service station or gov-
ernmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow
type oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR
engine oil filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner FilterRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the
“Maintenance Schedules” section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious per-
sonal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Maintenance-Free BatteryYour vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
258

WARNING!
•
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump-
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the bat-
tery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals, and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
•
The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose
that should not be disconnected and should
only be replaced with a battery of the same
type (vented).
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is at-
tached to the positive post and the nega-
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the bat-
tery case. Cable clamps should be tight on
the terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the char-
ger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner MaintenanceFor best possible performance, your air condi-
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lu-
bricants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Re-
fer to Warranty Information Book, for fur-
ther warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk
of personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, adding refrigerant or any repair re-
quiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
(Continued)
259

CAUTION!(Continued)
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-saving product. However, the manufac-
turer recommends that air conditioning service
be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C sys-
tem PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the A/C air
filter removed and the blower operating, the
blower can contact hands and may propel
dirt and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove compartment. Perform the
following procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all
contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compart-
ment and lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure
the filter cover to the HVAC housing, and
remove the cover.5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight
out of the housing.
6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the
filter pointing toward the floor. When install-
ing the filter cover, make sure the retaining
tabs fully engage the cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
260

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.
Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for bro-
ken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could
permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passen-
ger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to
“Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri-
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your ve-
hicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. How-
ever, it is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to assure proper catalyst operation and
prevent possible catalyst damage.
262