Using The Deflation Button
Push the Deflation Button (2) to reduce
the air pressure in the tire if it becomes
over-inflated.
Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions
•Replace the Tire Service Kit Sealant Bottle
(1) and Sealant Hose (6) prior to the expira-
tion date (printed at the lower right hand
corner on the bottle label) to assure optimum
operation of the system. Refer to “Sealing a
Tire with Tire Service Kit” section (F) “Sealant
Bottle and Hose Replacement”.•The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6)
are a one tire application use and need to be
replaced after each use. Always replace
these components immediately at your origi-
nal equipment vehicle dealer.
•When the Tire Service Kit sealant is in a
liquid form, clean water, and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire
and wheel components. Once the sealant
dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.
•For optimum performance, make sure the
valve stem on the wheel is free of debris
before connecting the Tire Service Kit.
•You can use the Tire Service Kit air pump to
inflate bicycle tires. The kit also comes with
two needles, located in the Accessory Stor-
age Compartment (on the bottom of the air
pump) for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar
inflatable items. However, use only the Air
Pump Hose (7) and make sure the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Air Mode when
inflating such items to avoid injecting sealant
into them. The Tire Service Kit Sealant is onlyintended to seal punctures less than 1/4 inch
(6 mm) diameter in the tread of your vehicle.
•Do not lift or carry the Tire Service Kit by the
hoses.WARNING!
•Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of
the vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far
enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when using the Tire Service Kit.
•Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the
vehicle under the following circumstances:
•If the puncture in the tire tread is ap-
proximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or larger.
•If the tire has any sidewall damage.
•If the tire has any damage from driving
with extremely low tire pressure.
•If the tire has any damage from driving
on a flat tire.
•If the wheel has any damage.
•If you are unsure of the condition of the
tire or the wheel.
(Continued)Tire Service Kit Expiration Date Location
236
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
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
•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