•If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located
in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or
insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of
the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to
excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may
be unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging
on the inside of the windshield. On systems with Manual
Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not allowed in
Defrost mode to improve window clearing operation.
Recirculation is disabled automatically if this mode is
selected. Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to blink and
then turns off.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. A
solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology) cool-
ant that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for proper
coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 51
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly removed by
turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode
can be used to maintain a clear windshield and provide
sufficient heating. If side window fogging becomes a problem
increase blower speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the
inside in mild but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a
mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the heat-
ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking
with warm water.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive
window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be totally
filtered out. Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing and
Maintenance” for filter replacement instructions.
52 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication
or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision
if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning lightwill turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. After the bulb check, this light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air
Bag System has been detected. It will stay on until the
fault is removed. If the light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for
further information.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See an autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your vehicle. Only
use a floor mat that does not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor mat
that is securely attached using the floor mat fasteners so it
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the accelera-
tor, brake or clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.
5
SAFETY 131
CavityMaxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F17 –20 Amp Yellow Engine Control Module (ECM), Injectors
(3.6 Gasoline Engine)
F18 –7.5 Amp Brown KL30 Engine Control Module (ECM), KL30
Main Relay Coil (3.6 Gasoline Engine)
F19 –7.5 Amp Brown A/C Compressor — If Equipped
F20 –30 Amp Green Windshield Wiper
F21 –15 Amp Blue Fuel Pump
F22 –20 Amp Yellow Engine Control Module (ECM), Ignition
Coils (3.6 Gasoline Engine)
F23 –20 Amp Yellow Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Valves
F24 –7.5 Amp Brown KL15 Vacuum Pump Relay Coil (3.6 Gaso-
line Engine) — If Equipped
F30 –15 Amp Blue Heated Mirrors
188 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................225
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .226
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............228
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................229
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .229
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........230
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................230
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................230
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .231
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .232
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .233
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................233
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............234
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .236▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................236
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .237
▫ Cooling System ....................... .238
▫ Brake System ........................ .243
▫ Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only) .............................. .244
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................245
TIRES ............................... .245
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................245
▫ Tires — General Information ..............254
▫ Tire Types ........................... .261
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................262
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............265
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............266
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 in the instrument cluster.
This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
tow, and 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 “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), 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.
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 predominately 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 the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate 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, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 225
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
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 in the engine compartment
and should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reser-
voir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator anti-
freeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to flush
out any residual water.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
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, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, 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.
230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
2. Remove and replace the cabin air filter from the filterretainer.
3. Install the cabin air filter/filter retainer back into the fresh air inlet. When installing the filter retainer make
sure the retainer is fully engaged.
4. Install the two screws back into the assembly to secure the filter retainer to the fresh air inlet.Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, decklid, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
Mopar Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the applica-
tion of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped
clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil
and grease should be removed. Particular attention should
also be given to hood latching components to ensure
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-
vices, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumulations
of salt or road film.
Removing Air Filer
1 — Fresh Air Inlet
2 — A/C Air Filter
3 — A/C Air Filter Retainer 236 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE