IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 403
Gear Selector Override Access Port
6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION
In order to push or tow the vehicle in cases where the trans -
mission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as a dead
battery), a Manual Park Release is available.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the driver’s
seat with your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
activating the Manual Park Release. Activating the
Manual Park Release will allow your vehicle to roll away
if it is not secured by the parking brake, or by proper
connection to a tow vehicle. Activating the Manual Park
Release on an unsecured vehicle could lead to serious
injury or death for those in or around the vehicle.
6
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 405
(Continued)
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of
accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
• For trucks equipped with an 8–speed transmission, shiftsbetween DRIVE and REVERSE can only be achieved at
wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. Whenever the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage DRIVE
or REVERSE.
• Push the "ESC Off" switch, to place the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in "Partial Off" mode, before rocking
the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control” in “Safety”
for further information. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the "ESC Off" switch again to restore "ESC On" mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck and
do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what
the speed.
CAUTION!
• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine
to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at least
one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This
will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of trans -
mission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
6
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 409
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM (EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Enhanced Accident Response
System (EARS) function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information on the Event Data Recorder (EDR).
WARNING!
• Do not use a chain for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, causing serious
injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for tow
truck hookup or highway towing. You could damage
your vehicle.
6
414 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours ofengine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
WARNING!
• You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the
knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause an
accident.
416 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
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 main-
tain 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.
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.
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 solu-
tion used with water as directed on the container, aids
cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clog
-
ging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or loss
of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
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.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 417
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.
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service opera -
tions in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available
which include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any proce -
dure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control systems may
void your warranty and could result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
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 Procedure” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the battery. 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 accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
• It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that the positive cable is attached to the positive post
and the negative cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and negative (-)
and are identified on the battery case. Cable clamps
should be tight on the terminal posts and free of corro -
sion.
• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
7
418 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil — Gas Engine
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. Refer
to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for further informa-
tion.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers. Engine Oil Selection — 6.4L
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recom
-
mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has been certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API). The manu -
facturer only recommends API Certified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and
10W-30 engine oils.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Only do service work for which you have the
knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
420 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions” maintenance
interval if applicable.
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.Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And Replacement
Inspect engine air cleaner filter for dirt and or debris, if you
find evidence of either dirt or debris you should change your
air cleaner filter.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal
1. With suitable tool fully loosen (six) fasteners on air
cleaner filter.
Air Cleaner Filter
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
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 personal injury.
1 — Fasteners
2 — Air Hose Clamp
3 — Air Cleaner Cover