IN CASE OF EMERGENCY149
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. Shift
back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the acceler -
ator. Use the least amount of accelerator pedal
pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the
engine. NOTE:
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the Elec
-
tronic Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial
OFF” mode, before rocking the vehicle. Refer to
“Electronic Brake Control System” in “Safety”
for further information. Once the vehicle has
been freed, push the “ESC OFF” switch again to
restore “ESC ON” mode.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
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
transmission failure during prolonged efforts
to free a stuck vehicle.
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!
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.
Spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in
gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
6
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 149
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE163
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst opera -
tion and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc -
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over -
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the
engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
only by an authorized dealer. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with OAT coolant (anti -
freeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system pres -
sure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
7
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 163
176SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfort -
able ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and
uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload
them.WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 176
252
Engine
................................................ 156Air Cleaner...................................... 159Block Heater..................................... 93Break-In Recommendations.................. 93Compartment.................................. 156Compartment Identification................ 156Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 163, 195Cooling........................................... 163Exhaust Gas Caution................... 89, 194Fails To Start..................................... 92Flooded, Starting................................ 92Fuel Requirements................... 192, 195Jump Starting.................................. 145Oil......................................... 158, 195Oil Filler Cap.................................... 156Oil Filter......................................... 159Oil Selection............................ 158, 195Oil Synthetic.................................... 159Overheating.................................... 147Starting............................................ 92
Engine Oil Viscosity
................................. 159
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
.......................... 159
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
........... 151
Entry System, Illuminated
............................ 27
Ethanol
............................................... 193
Exhaust Gas Cautions
........................ 89, 194
Exhaust System
............................... 89, 162
Exterior Lights
................................... 23, 91
F
Filters
Air Cleaner
...................................... 159Air Conditioning.......................... 34, 160Engine Oil............................... 159, 195Engine Oil Disposal........................... 159
Flashers
Hazard Warning................................ 123Turn Signals................................ 53, 91
Flat Tire Changing
........................... 168, 181
Flat Tire Stowage
............................ 168, 181
Flooded Engine Starting
.............................. 92
Fluid Capacities
.....................................195
Fluid Leaks
............................................. 91
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................... 168Brake............................................. 166Cooling System................................ 163Power Steering................................. 103
Fluids And Lubricants
............................... 195
Fog Lights
.............................................. 25
Fold-Flat Seats
........................................ 15
Four-Way Hazard Flasher
........................... 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
............................ 149
Fuel
.................................................. 192Additives........................................ 193Clean Air........................................ 192Ethanol.......................................... 193Filler Cap (Gas Cap).......................... 111Gasoline........................................ 192Materials Added.............................. 193Methanol....................................... 193Octane Rating..........................192, 195Requirements..........................192, 195Tank Capacity................................. 195
Fuses
................................................ 128
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
.......................... 111
Gasoline, Clean Air
................................. 192
Gasoline, Reformulated
........................... 192
Gear Ranges
.......................................... 97
Gear Selector Override
............................. 148
Glass Cleaning
...................................... 190
Gross Axle Weight Rating
...................112, 113
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...............112, 113
Guide
Body Builders...................................... 8
GVWR
................................................ 112
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254
Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator
................................. 48, 59Exterior...................................... 23, 91Hazard Warning Flasher..................... 123Headlights........................................ 23High Beam........................................ 24Illuminated Entry................................ 27Interior............................................. 25Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 51Park.......................................... 24, 53Passing............................................ 24Security Alarm................................... 49Service........................................... 123Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............ 61Traction Control.................................. 59Turn Signals.......................... 23, 53, 91Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions................... 48, 53
Loading Vehicle
............................. 112, 113Capacities....................................... 113Tires.............................................. 173
Locks
Automatic Door............................ 14, 15
Low Tire Pressure System
............................ 61
Lubrication, Body
................................... 161
Lug Nuts/Bolts
...................................... 191
M
Maintenance Free Battery
.......................... 157
Maintenance Schedule
............................. 152
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)
.. 51, 55
Manual
Service........................................... 249
Methanol
............................................. 193
Mirrors
.................................................21Electric Remote.................................. 22Exterior Folding.................................. 22Heated............................................. 23Outside............................................21Rearview..........................................21
Modifications/Alterations
Vehicle...............................................8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System
.......................61
Mopar Parts
..........................................248
MP3 Control
......................................... 238
Multi-Function Control Lever
......................... 23
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period
......................... 93
O
Occupant Restraints
................................. 64
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)
.................... 192
Oil Change Indicator
................................. 44Reset.............................................. 44
Oil Filter, Change
................................... 159
Oil Filter, Selection
................................. 159
Oil Pressure Light
..................................... 49
Oil, Engine
....................................158, 195Capacity........................................ 195Change Interval............................... 158Dipstick......................................... 157Disposal........................................ 159Filter...................................... 159, 195Filter Disposal................................. 159Identification Logo............................ 159Materials Added To.......................... 159Pressure Warning Light....................... 49Recommendation.....................158, 195Synthetic........................................ 159Viscosity................................. 159, 195
Onboard Diagnostic System
......................... 54
Operating Precautions
............................... 54
Operator Manual
Owner's Manual............................ 8, 249
Outside Rearview Mirrors
............................ 21
Overheating, Engine
................................ 147
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