IN CASE OF EMERGENCY145
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can
be jump started using a set of jumper cables
and a battery in another vehicle or by using a
portable battery booster pack. Jump starting
can be dangerous if done improperly, so please
follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster pack,
follow the manufacturer’s operating instruc -
tions and precautions.
Preparations For Jump Start
The vehicle’s jump starting remote posts are
located under the hood, in the engine compart -
ment on the driver's side.
The Remote Positive (+) Post is covered with a
protective cap located on the side of the Front
Power Distribution Center.
The Remote Negative (-) Post is located on the
core support closest to the front of the vehicle.
Jump Starting Locations 1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic
transmission into PARK (P) and turn the
ignition to the OFF position.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unneces -
sary electrical accessories.
3. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system
voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to
the battery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.(+) — Remote Positive Post
(-) — Remote Negative Post
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can
be injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact. You
could be seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
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20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 145
146IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Jump Starting Procedure
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper
cable to the remote positive (+) post of the
discharged vehicle.
NOTE:
The remote positive (+) post is located in the
engine compartment on the driver's side under
the cover of the Front Power Distribution
Center.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative end (-) of the jumper
cable to the negative (-) post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable to the remote negative (-) post
of the discharged vehicle.
NOTE:
The remote negative (-) post is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the driver's
side. 5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the
booster battery. Let the engine idle a few
minutes and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
6. Once the engine is started, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse sequence.
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the
jumper cable from the remote negative (-)
post of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the negative (-) post of
the booster battery.WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as
this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure
could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause the
battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific ground
point, do not use any other exposed metal
parts.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 146
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY147
3. Disconnect the positive end (+) of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the remote positive
(+) post of the discharged vehicle.
5. Close the cover of the Front Power Distribu -
tion Center.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at an authorized
dealer.Battery Location
There are two remote jump starting posts under
the hood which is the recommended jump start
location. If access to the battery is needed, an
access panel on the driver’s side floor will allow
for battery access.
Access Panel
Battery Location
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase
the engine idle speed while preventing
vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices,
etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough
without engine operation, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
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20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 147
150IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws regarding vehicles under tow must be
observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode. If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, refer to “Gear Selector
Override” in this section for instructions on
shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK
(P) for towing.Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels
OFF the ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, this vehicle may be
towed (with front wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N).
The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km).
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The Ground ALL Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Rear
FrontOK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen -
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 150
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE153
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod
ends, boot seals, and replace if
necessary. X
X X X X XX
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20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 153
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE157
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
To ensure 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.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) 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 illumi -
nates.
After the engine has warmed, operate the
defroster for a few minutes to reduce the possi -
bility 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 mainte-
nance-free battery. You will never have to add
water, nor is periodic maintenance required.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
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.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emer -
gency” for further information.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
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158SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Pressure Washing
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could
result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
Engine Oil
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched -
uled maintenance. Refer to the “Maintenance
Plan” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 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 recommends engine oils
that are API Certified and meet the require -
ments of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
Precautions have been taken to safeguard all
parts and connections however, the
pressures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
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.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 158
186SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating,
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road char -
acteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as
measured under controlled conditions on spec -
ified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor trac -
tion performance.
Temperature Grades
The Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat, when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel, than the minimum
required by law.STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21
days, we recommend that you take the following
steps to minimize the drain on your vehicle's
battery:
Disconnect the negative cable from the
battery.
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out
of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or
more, run the air conditioning system at idle
for about five minutes in the fresh air and
high blower setting prior to storing. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to mini -
mize the possibility of compressor damage
when the system is started again.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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