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 TireThe 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 ab-
normal 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 maintenance schedule 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 seri-
ous injury or death.Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph
on “Tread Wear Indicator”. Refer to the Tire and
Loading Information placard or the Vehicle Cer-
tification Label for the size designation of your
tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol for your
tire will be found on the original equipment tire
sidewall. See the Tire Sizing Chart example
found in the “Tire Safety Information” section of
this manual for more information relating to the
Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires
or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire
can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If
Tire Tread
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
201
NOTE:
If the tire becomes over-inflated, push the
Deflation Button to reduce the tire pressure
to the recommended inflation pressure be-
fore continuing.
If the tire inflates to the recommended pres-
sure or is at least 26 psi (1.8 Bar) pressure
within 15 minutes:
1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn off the Tire
Service Kit.
2. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top
of the Sealant Bottle (1) and place the sticker
on the instrument panel.
3. Immediately disconnect the Sealant Hose
(6) from the valve stem, reinstall the cap on
the fitting at the end of the hose, and place
the Tire Service Kit in the vehicle storage
location. Quickly proceed to (D) “Drive Ve-
hicle.”CAUTION!
•The metal end fitting from Power Plug (8)
may get hot after use, so it should be
handled carefully.
•Failure to reinstall the cap on the fitting at
the end of the Sealant Hose (6) can result
in sealant contacting your skin, clothing,
and the vehicle’s interior. It can also result
in sealant contacting internal Tire Service
Kit components which may cause perma-
nent damage to the kit.
(D) Drive Vehicle:
Immediately after injecting sealant and inflating
the tire, drive the vehicle 5 miles (8 km) or 10
minutes to ensure distribution of the Tire Ser-
vice Kit Sealant within the tire. Do not exceed
55 mph (90 km/h).
WARNING!
Tire Service Kit is not a permanent flat tire
repair. Have the tire inspected and repaired
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
or replaced after using Tire Service Kit. Do
not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the tire is
repaired or replaced. Failure to follow this
warning can result in injuries that are serious
or fatal to you, your passengers, and others
around you.
(E) After Driving:
Pull over to a safe location. Refer to “Whenever
You Stop to Use Tire Service Kit” before con-
tinuing.
1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (5) and turn to
the Air Mode position.
2. Uncoil the power plug and insert the plug
into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
3. Uncoil the Air Pump Hose (7) (black in color)
and screw the fitting at the end of hose (7)
onto the valve stem.
4. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the
Pressure Gauge (3).
239
If tire pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 Bar):
The tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle further. Call for assistance.
If the tire pressure is 19 psi (1.3 Bar) or
higher:
1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn on Tire
Service Kit and inflate the tire to the pressure
indicated on the tire and loading information
label on the driver-side door opening.
NOTE:
If the tire becomes over-inflated, push the
Deflation Button to reduce the tire pressure
to the recommended inflation pressure be-
fore continuing.
2. Disconnect the Tire Service Kit from the
valve stem, reinstall the cap on the valve
stem and unplug from 12 Volt outlet.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit in its proper stor-
age area in the vehicle.
4. Have the tire inspected and repaired or
replaced at the earliest opportunity at an
authorized dealer or tire service center.5. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the
instrument panel after the tire has been
repaired.
6. Replace the Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant
Hose (6) assembly at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. Refer to (F) “Sealant
Bottle and Hose Replacement”.
NOTE:
When having the tire serviced, advise the
authorized dealer or service center that the
tire has been sealed using the Tire Service
Kit.
(F) Sealant Bottle And Hose Replacement:
1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) (clear in color).
2. Locate the round Sealant Bottle release but-
ton in the recessed area under the sealant
bottle.
3. Push the Sealant Bottle release button. The
Sealant Bottle (1) will pop up. Remove the
bottle and dispose of it accordingly.4. Clean any remaining sealant from the Tire
Service Kit housing.
5. Position the new Sealant Bottle (1) in the
housing so that the Sealant Hose (6) aligns
with the hose slot in the front of the housing.
Push the bottle into the housing. An audible
click will be heard indicating the bottle is
locked into place.
6. Verify that the cap is installed on the fitting at
the end of the Sealant Hose (6) and return
the hose to its storage area (located on the
bottom of the air pump).
7. Return the Tire Service Kit to its storage
location in the vehicle.
240
Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageAfter fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic sys-
tem can determine if the fuel filler cap is possi-
bly loose or improperly installed. A “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a “clicking”
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas
cap is properly tightened. Push the trip odom-
eter RESET button to turn off the message. If
the problem persists, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is
detected twice in a row, the system will turn on
the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine MOPAR parts for normal/
scheduled maintenance and repairs is highly
recommended to ensure the designed perfor-
mance. Damage or failures caused by the use
of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance and re-
pairs will not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequired
maintenance services determined by the engi-
neers who designed your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in
the fixed “Maintenance Schedule”, there are
other components which may require servicing
or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when neces-
sary could result in more costly repairs,
damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by
an authorized dealer or qualified repair
center.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved
fluids that protect the performance and
durability of your vehicle and also allow
extended maintenance intervals. Do not
use chemical flushes in these components
as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use
only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, 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 engine is
shut off. Do not check oil level before starting
256
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If
you chose to use such a product, use only those
oils that are approved to FCA MS-6395 or FCA
Material Standard 9.55535-CR1. Follow the
maintenance schedule that describes your driv-
ing type.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against the addition of any additives (other than
leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact
your authorized dealer, service station or gov-
ernmental agency for advice on how and where
used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow
type oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR
engine oil filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner FilterRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in the
“Maintenance Schedules” section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
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
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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 per-
sonal injury.
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.
Maintenance-Free BatteryYour vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
258
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” 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 mas-
ter cylinder reservoir.
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser-
voir 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 to boil unexpectedly
during hard or prolonged braking, resulting
in sudden brake failure. This could result in
a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect over-
all clutch system performance. Improper
brake fluids may damage the clutch system
resulting in loss of clutch function and the
ability to shift the transmission.
Automatic Transmission (6-Speed)
— If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant — 6-Speed
Transmission
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using
the recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
267
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug.
The fluid level should be between the bottom of
the fill hole and a point not more than 3/16 inch
(4.7 mm) below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will give satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid
changes are not necessary unless lubricant has
become contaminated with water.
NOTE:
If contaminated with water, the fluid should
be changed immediately.Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) —
AWD/4WD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for
leakage. If leakage is detected, check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level
should be maintained between the bottom of
the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) —
AWD/4WD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for
leakage. If leakage is detected, Check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level
should be maintained between the bottom of
the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
270
paired as soon as possible. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsibility of the
owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
•Use MOPAR Touch Up Paint on scratches as
soon as possible. Your authorized dealer has
touch up paint to match the color of your
vehicle.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
•All wheels and wheel trim, especially alumi-
num and chrome plated wheels, should be
cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water
to prevent corrosion.
•To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake
dust, use MOPAR Wheel Cleaner.NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Dark Vapor
or Black Satin Chrome wheels DO NOT USE
wheel cleaners, abrasives or polishing com-
pounds. They will permanently damage this
finish and such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. USE
ONLY MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH A
SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis this is
all that is required to maintain this finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a
bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. These products may damage
the wheel’s protective finish. Avoid automatic
car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR Wheel Cleaner
or equivalent is recommended.Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure —
If Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the follow-
ing 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.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR Total Clean to clean fabric uphol-
stery and carpeting.
272