DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation” in this section for further information) to select
a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the trans-
mission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmis-
sion Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may operate differently until the transmission
cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section). Normal opera-
tion will resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................233
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .234
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................237
▫ Engine Compartment — 2.4L ..............237
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................238
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................238
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................239
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .240
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .240
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .241
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................242
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............242
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .243
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................244 ▫
Exhaust System ....................... .244
▫ Cooling System ....................... .246
▫ Brake System ........................ .250
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................252
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................252
▫ Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped ..........254
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................256
TIRES ............................... .256
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................256
▫ Tires — General Information ..............266
▫ Tire Types ........................... .272
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................273
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............276
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............277
8
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extended engine idle time,
extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change Reset”
in “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 350 hours of engine
run time or twelve months, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominantly at idle, or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• 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.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 233
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 ve-
hicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any
procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.
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.
Engine Oil
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 the “Maintenance Plan” for further information. NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 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
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only rec-
ommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API). The manu-
facturer only recommends API Cer-
tified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20,
0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine
oils.
240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for further
information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors
including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire
tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread
life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced tread
life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle scheduled
maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
NOTE: Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when
installing new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Tire Tread
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 270 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Service............................... .191
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..............93
Traction Control ..........................92
Turn Signals ......................... .82, 145
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions ......76, 82
Loading Vehicle ....................... .174, 175
Capacities ............................. .175
Tires................................. .262
Locks Power Door .............................23
Low Tire Pressure System .....................93
Lubrication, Body ......................... .243
Lug Nuts/Bolts ....................... .286, 287
Maintenance Free Battery .....................239
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .233
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ......80, 84
Manual Service ............................... .324
Master Cylinder Brakes ............................... .251
Methanol ............................... .289
Mirrors ..................................38
Electric Powered ..........................39
Electric Remote ...........................39 Exterior Folding
..........................39
Outside ................................38
Rearview ...............................38
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle .................................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................93
Mopar Parts ............................. .323
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................152
Occupant Restraints .........................98
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............288, 292
Oil, Engine ........................... .240, 292
Capacity .............................. .292
Change Interval ........................ .240
Checking ............................. .238
Dipstick .............................. .238
Disposal .............................. .241
Filter ............................. .241, 292
Filter Disposal .......................... .241
Identification
Logo...................... .240
Materials Added To ...................... .241
Pressure Warning Light .....................77
Recommendation .....................240, 292
Synthetic ............................. .241
332 INDEX
Rotation, Tires............................ .277
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ...................143
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle .................145
Safety Defects, Reporting .....................323
Safety, Exhaust Gas ........................ .143
Safety Information, Tire ..................... .256
Safety Tips .............................. .142
Schedule, Maintenance ...................... .233
Seat Belts ............................. .99, 143
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ...................104
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage .........104
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ......104
Child Restraints ........................ .122
Energy Management Feature ................107
Front Seat ....................... .99, 100, 102
Inspection ............................. .143
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ................102
Lap/Shoulder Belts ...................... .100
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ...............104
Operating Instructions .....................102
Pregnant Women ........................ .106
Pretensioners .......................... .107
Rear Seat ............................. .100
Reminder ........................... .77, 99Seat Belt Pretensioner
.....................107
Untwisting Procedure .....................104
Seats ....................................29
Adjustment .............................29
Heated .................................31
Rear Folding .............................29
Tilting .................................29
Security Alarm .............................22
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............292
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ......................20
Service Assistance ......................... .320
Service Contract .......................... .322
Service Manuals .......................... .324
Shifting Automatic
Transmission ....................156
Shift Lever Override ....................... .225
Shoulder Belts ............................ .100
Signals, Turn .......................... .82, 145
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ....................277
Snow Tires .............................. .273
Spare Tires ........................ .273, 274, 275
Spark Plugs ............................. .292
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) ......................... .292
Oil.................................. .292
334 INDEX