STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................137
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................137
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .137
▫ Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
30°C) ............................. .137
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................137
▫ After Starting ......................... .138
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .138
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .139
PARKING BRAKE ...................... .139
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............141
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................142
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .142
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........142
POWER STEERING ..................... .149
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............150
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ..........151
▫ To Activate .......................... .151
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................152
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................152
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................153
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .153
▫ To Deactivate ......................... .153
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .154
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........154
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........154
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .156
6
mode. This will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission
will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during
steady braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage, until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Over-
drive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING
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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.6L Engine
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
6 — Coolant Reservoir
7 — Power Steering Reservoir
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 229
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to
use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or performance of
your transmission. We recommend Mopar ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4.
DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two years
regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA
Material Standard MS-11655.
284 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Belts, Seat............................... .131
Body Builders Guide ..........................5
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................236
B-Pillar Location .......................... .251
Brake Assist System .........................90
Brake Control System, Electronic ................89
Brake Fluid .......................... .243, 284
Brake, Parking ............................ .139
Brake System ......................... .243, 276
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..........................88
Fluid Check ........................... .243
Master Cylinder ........................ .243
Parking .............................. .139
Warning Light ...........................75
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................142
Bulb Replacement ......................... .179
Bulbs, Light .......................... .133, 179
Camera, Rear ............................ .158
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .282
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .160
Oil (Engine) ........................... .229
Power Steering ......................... .150
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................241 Carbon Monoxide Warning
................130, 281
Cargo Area Cover ...........................57
Cargo Compartment .........................57
Cargo Light ...............................42
Car Washes .............................. .270
Certification Label ......................... .161
Change Oil Indicator .........................70
Changing A Flat Tire .....................194, 245
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .247
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....84
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............130
Checks, Safety ............................ .130
Child Restraint ........................... .123
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .126
Child
Seat Installation .....................128
Infant And Child Restraints .................125
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........125
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .278
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .265
Climate Control ............................45
Manual ................................46
Rear ..................................49
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .137
12
INDEX 317
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck .................219
Jacking ........................... .194, 245
Jump Starting .......................... .213
Emission Control System Maintenance ............84
Engine ................................. .229
Air Cleaner ............................ .233
Block Heater ........................... .138
Break-In Recommendations .................139
Compartment .......................... .229
Compartment Identification .................229
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................239, 282
Cooling .............................. .238
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................130, 281
Fails To Start ........................... .137
Flooded, Starting ........................ .137
Fuel Requirements ....................278, 282
Jump Starting .......................... .213
Oil .............................. .232, 282
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .229
Oil Filter .............................. .233
Oil Selection ........................ .232, 282
Oil Synthetic ........................... .233
Overheating ........................... .217
Starting .............................. .137Engine Oil Viscosity
........................ .232
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................232
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............222
Entry System, Illuminated .....................44
Ethanol ................................. .279
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................130, 281
Exhaust System ....................... .130, 237
Exterior Lights ......................... .38, 133
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .233
Air Conditioning ..................... .52, 235
Engine Oil ......................... .233,
282
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .233
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .179
Turn Signals ......................... .82, 133
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .137
Fluid Capacities ........................... .282
Fluid Leaks .............................. .133
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................245
Brake ................................ .243
Cooling System ......................... .239
Power Steering ......................... .150
12
INDEX 319