
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti-
freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
the wiper blades clean. This will help blade performance.To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
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.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield
washer solution used with water as directed on the con-
tainer, aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to
avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 497

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark because leakage may occur at the cap.With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 519

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 transmis-
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
an 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 an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An 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.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However,
change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated
(with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information. This inspection should be made
with the vehicle in a level position.
The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the fill
hole (within 1/4 in (6.4 mm) of edge of hole) for the front
axle and rear axle.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tion” for further information.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials
Rear axles equipped with a Limited Slip Differential re-
quire that 5 oz. (148 ml) Mopar Limited Slip Additive be
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 521

Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following manner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with
a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
• For tough stains, apply Mopar Total Clean, or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
• For grease stains, apply Mopar Multi-Purpose Cleaner
to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue.
• Do not use any harsh solvents or any other form of
protectants on Stain Repel products.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric. If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle
to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning
loop for soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft
cloth until all residue is removed.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 551

Automatic Headlights........................71
Automatic High Beams .......................70
Automatic Tailgate Release ....................108
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............93
Automatic Transmission ..................306, 521
Adding Fluid .......................... .521
Fluid And Filter Change ...................521
Fluid Change .......................... .521
Fluid Level Check .....................520, 521
Fluid Type ......................... .520, 566
Special Additives ........................ .520
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ........311
Axle Fluid ........................... .521, 566
Axle Lubrication .......................... .521
Back-Up ................................ .396
Back-Up Camera .......................... .396
Battery .............................. .181, 497
Charging System Light ....................181
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................23
Belts, Seat ............................... .285
Blind Spot Monitoring ...................... .210
Body Builders Guide ..........................5
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................509
B-Pillar Location .......................... .528Brake Assist System
........................ .200
Brake Control System ....................... .199
Brake Fluid .......................... .519, 566
Brake System ......................... .519, 556
Fluid Check ........................... .519
Master Cylinder ........................ .519
Parking .............................. .300
Warning Light .......................... .180
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................306
Bulb Replacement ......................... .441
Bulbs, Light .......................... .287, 441
Camera ................................ .396
Camera,
Rear ......................... .396, 398
Camper ................................ .147
Capacities, Fuel ........................... .563
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .494, 500
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................516
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................285, 562
Cargo Light ...............................73
Car Washes .............................. .548
Cellular Phone ........................... .646
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............448
Center Seat Storage Compartment ...............117
12
INDEX 681

Engine Oil Viscosity........................ .499
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................499
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........260, 484
Entry System, Illuminated .....................76
Ethanol ................................. .560
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................285, 562
Exhaust System ........................ .285, 511
Exterior Lighting ............................68
Exterior Lights ......................... .68, 287
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .501
Air Conditioning ..................... .95, 504
Engine Oil ......................... .501, 564
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .500
Flashers Turn Signals ..................... .73, 192, 287
Flash-To-Pass ..............................71
Flat Tire Stowage .......................... .470
Fluid, Brake ............................. .566
Fluid Capacities ........................... .563
Fluid Leaks .............................. .288
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .519
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .564Fog Lights
............................ .72, 446
Fold-Flat Seats .............................43
Forward Collision Warning ....................221
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................435
Four Wheel Drive ......................... .313
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .480
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .521
Fuel ................................... .558
Adding .............................. .404
Additives ............................. .559
Clean Air ............................. .559
Ethanol .............................. .560
Gasoline .............................. .558
Light ................................ .186
Materials
Added........................ .559
Methanol ............................. .560
Octane Rating ....................558, 559, 564
Requirements ....................... .558, 563
Tank Capacity .......................... .563
Fuses .................................. .449
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ...............109
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .559
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .559
General Information ........................ .231
684 INDEX