90SAFETY
(Continued)
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 webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warn ing light will turn on for
four to eight secon ds as a bu lb check when
the i gniti on switch is fi rst turned to ON/
RUN. If the l ight is eith er not on du rin g
starting, stays on , or tu rn s on whil e drivin g,
have the system in spected at an authori zed
dealer as soon as possibl e. After the bu lb
ch eck, this light will ill uminate wi th a single
ch ime wh en a fau lt with the Air Bag System
has been d etected. It will stay on un til the fau lt is removed . If the light comes on in ter
-
mitten tly or remains on while dri ving, h ave
an authorized deal er service the vehicle
immedi ately.
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 authorized 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 inter -
fere 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 accelerator, brake or clutch pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or
stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor mat
using the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT
install your floor mat upside down or turn
your floor mat over. Lightly pull to confirm
mat is secured using the floor mat
fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR
MAT FROM THE VEHICLE before
installing any other floor mat. NEVER install
or stack an additional floor mat on top of an
existing floor mat.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 90
92
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position before you can start the
engine. Press the brake pedal before shifting to
any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing
the accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) posi-
tion and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the
ignition switch to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) posi -
tion, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or
−30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these tempera -
tures, use of an externally powered electric
engine block heater (available from your autho -
rized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have
followed the “Normal Starting” procedure, it
may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the
engine for no more than 15 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine
is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the RUN
position, release the accelerator pedal and
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren). A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 92
160SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air condi -
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro -
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-saving
product. However, the manufacturer recom -
mends that air conditioning service be
performed by authorized dealer or other service
facilities using recovery and recycling equip -
ment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” 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
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 personal
injury.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the cabin air
filter removed and the blower operating, the
blower can contact hands and may propel dirt
and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 160
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE189
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chem -
ical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will
weaken the fabric. Sun damage can also
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solu -
tion or lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts
from the vehicle to wash them. Dry with a soft
cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn
or if the buckles do not work properly.
Plastic And Coated Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this
vehicle are molded in clear plastic. When
cleaning the lenses, care must be taken to
avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solu -
tion may be used, but do not use high
alcohol content or abrasive cleaners. If soap
is used, wipe clean with a clean damp cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection.
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking
for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision
if they have been damaged (i.e., bent
retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
CAUTION!
Direct contact of air fresheners, insect
repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sani -
tizers to the plastic, painted, or decorated
surfaces of the interior may cause perma -
nent damage. Wipe away immediately.
Damage caused by these type of products
may not be covered by your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
7
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 189
250
INDEX
A
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
............... 164
Adding Washing Fluid
............................... 157
Additives, Fuel
....................................... 193
Air Bag
................................................. 74Air Bag Operation............................... 75Air Bag Warning Light.......................... 73Enhanced Accident Response.............. 151Event Data Recorder (EDR)................. 151If Deployment Occurs.......................... 80Maintaining Your Air Bag System............ 81Maintenance..................................... 81Side Air Bags..................................... 76Transporting Pets............................... 89
Air Bag Light
............................... 47, 73, 90
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)
... 159
Air Conditioner Maintenance
...................... 160
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
......................... 160
Air Conditioner System
............................. 160
Air Conditioning Filter
......................... 34, 160
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips
............... 33, 34
Air Filter
.............................................. 159
Air Pressure
Tires.............................................. 177
Alarm
Security Alarm............................. 13, 49
Alarm System
Security Alarm.................................... 13
Alterations/Modifications
Vehicle...............................................8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
................ 164, 195Disposal......................................... 165
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
.......................56
Anti-Lock Warning Light
.............................. 52
Assist, Hill Start
........................................ 60
Auto Down Power Windows
.......................... 35
Auto Up Power Windows
.............................. 35
Automatic Door Locks
................................15
Automatic Transmission
...................... 95, 168Adding Fluid.................................... 168Fluid And Filter Change...................... 168Fluid Change................................... 168Fluid Level Check...................... 167, 168Fluid Type............................... 167, 197Special Additives.............................. 167
AUX Cord
............................................. 238
Auxiliary Driving Systems
............................. 61
B
Battery
......................................... 47, 157Charging System Light......................... 47Keyless Key Fob Replacement............... 10
Belts, Seat
............................................. 90
Body Builders Guide
................................... 8
Body Mechanism Lubrication
..................... 161
B-Pillar Location
.................................... 173
Brake Assist System
................................. 57
Brake Control System, Electronic
................... 57
Brake Fluid
...................................166, 197
Brake System
................................166, 191Anti-Lock (ABS).................................. 56Fluid Check.................................... 166Master Cylinder............................... 166Parking............................................ 94Warning Light.................................... 48
Brake, Parking
........................................ 94
Brake/Transmission Interlock
...................... 96
Bulb Replacement
.................................. 123
Bulbs, Light
....................................91, 123
C
Camera, Rear
....................................... 109
Capacities, Fluid
.................................... 195
Caps, Filler
Fuel.............................................. 111Oil (Engine)..................................... 156Power Steering................................ 103Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................ 165
Car Washes
......................................... 187
Carbon Monoxide Warning
...................89, 194
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253
H
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
Or Shallow Standing Water
................. 121
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 123
Head Restraints
....................................... 20
Headlights
Cleaning......................................... 187High Beam........................................ 24High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 24Passing............................................ 24Switch.............................................. 23
Heated Mirrors
........................................ 23
Heated Seats
.......................................... 18
Heater, Engine Block
................................. 93
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch
... 24
Hill Start Assist
........................................ 60
Hitches
Trailer Towing.................................. 114
Hood Prop
............................................. 36
Hood Release
......................................... 36
I
Ignition
.................................................11Key.............................................. 9, 11Switch.............................................. 11
Ignition Key Removal
.................................11
Illuminated Entry
......................................27
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)
............................. 12
Inside Rearview Mirror
................................21
Instrument Cluster
.............................. 41, 53Display............................................. 43
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning
................... 189
Interior And Instrument Lights
.......................25
Interior Appearance Care
........................... 188
Interior Lights
..........................................25
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)
..................28
Introduction
..............................................7
iPod/USB/MP3 Control
............................. 238
J
Jack Location
........................................ 133
Jack Operation
.............................. 133, 168
Jacking And Tire Changing
......................... 133
Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions
...........135
Jump Starting
........................................ 145
K
Key Fob
Programming Additional Key Fobs
.......... 10
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry)
.. 10
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry)
.... 10
Key-In Reminder
...................................... 12
Keys
..................................................... 9Replacement.................................... 12Sentry (Immobilizer)............................ 12
L
Lane Change Assist
.................................. 25
Lap/Shoulder Belts
.................................. 67
Latches
................................................ 91Hood............................................... 36
Lead Free Gasoline
................................ 192
Leaks, Fluid
........................................... 91
Life Of Tires
......................................... 179
Light Bulbs
.....................................91, 123
Lights
.................................................. 91Air Bag................................. 47, 73, 90Brake Assist Warning.......................... 59Brake Warning.................................. 48Bulb Replacement............................ 123Cruise............................................. 53Daytime Running............................... 24Dimmer Switch, Headlight...............23, 2411
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255
P
Paint Care
........................................... 187
Parking Brake
......................................... 94
ParkSense System, Rear
........................... 105
Passing Light
.......................................... 24
Pets
.................................................... 89
Placard, Tire And Loading Information
............ 173
Power
Mirrors............................................. 22Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)............ 39Steering................................. 102, 103Windows.......................................... 35
Power Steering Fluid
................................ 197
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts
.................... 71
Preparation For Jacking
.................... 133, 135
R
Radial Ply Tires
...................................... 178
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)
............. 165
Radio Frequency
General Information.......................... 240
Rear Camera
........................................ 109
Rear ParkSense System
............................ 105
Rearview Mirror
....................................... 21
Recreational Towing
................................ 120
Reformulated Gasoline
............................. 192
Refrigerant
........................................... 160
Release, Hood
......................................... 36
Reminder, Seat Belt
.................................. 66
Remote Keyless Entry
Programming Additional Key Fobs........... 10
Replacement Bulbs
................................. 123
Replacement Keys
.................................... 12
Replacement Tires
.................................. 179
Reporting Safety Defects
........................... 248
Restraints, Child
.......................................83
Restraints, Head
......................................20
Rotation, Tires
....................................... 185
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle
........................ 90
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle
......................91
Safety Defects, Reporting
.......................... 248
Safety Information, Tire
............................. 168
Safety Tips
............................................. 89
Safety, Exhaust Gas
................................... 89
Schedule, Maintenance
............................ 152
Seat Belts
........................................ 66, 90Adjustable Shoulder Belt......................70Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 70
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage.................................... 70Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)......... 72Child Restraints................................. 83Energy Management Feature................ 71Front Seat............................. 66, 67, 68Inspection........................................ 90Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation................ 68Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting............... 69Lap/Shoulder Belts............................ 67Operating Instructions......................... 68Pregnant Women............................... 71Rear Seat......................................... 67Reminder......................................... 66Untwisting Procedure.......................... 69
Seat Belts Maintenance
........................... 189
Seats
.................................................. 15Adjustment....................................... 15Heated............................................ 18Rear Folding..................................... 15Tilting.............................................. 15
Security Alarm
...................................13, 49
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)
................. 195
11
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256
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)
............................. 12
Service Assistance
.................................. 246
Service Contract
.................................... 247
Service Manuals
.................................... 249
Settings
Personal......................................... 199
Shift Lever Override
................................. 148
Shoulder Belts
......................................... 67
Signals, Turn
.................................... 53, 91
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)
......................... 184
Snow Tires
........................................... 181
Spare Tires
.......................... 181, 182, 183
Spark Plugs
.......................................... 195
Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.................... 103
Starting
................................................ 92Automatic Transmission....................... 92Button............................................. 11Cold Weather..................................... 92Engine Fails To Start............................ 92
Steering
................................................ 21Column Lock..................................... 21Power.................................... 102, 103
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
.................... 238
Storage, Vehicle
............................... 33, 186
Storing Your Vehicle
................................ 186
Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag
......... 74
Sway Control, Trailer
.................................. 61
Synthetic Engine Oil
................................ 159
T
Telescoping Steering Column
........................ 21
Tire And Loading Information Placard
............. 173
Tire Markings
........................................ 168
Tire Safety Information
............................. 168
Tire Service Kit
...... 139, 140, 142, 143, 144
Tires
............................ 91, 176, 181, 185Aging (Life Of Tires)........................... 179Air Pressure.....................................176Chains........................................... 184Changing................................ 133, 168Compact Spare................................ 181General Information.................. 176, 181High Speed.....................................177Inflation Pressure............................. 177Jacking................................... 133, 168Life Of Tires.....................................179Load Capacity.......................... 173, 174Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 50, 61Quality Grading................................ 185Radial............................................ 178Replacement................................... 179Rotation......................................... 185Safety.................................... 168, 176
Sizes............................................. 169Snow Tires..................................... 181Spare Tires...................... 181, 182, 183Spinning........................................ 178Trailer Towing.................................. 117Tread Wear Indicators....................... 179Wheel Nut Torque............................ 191
To Open Hood
......................................... 36
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................... 115
Torque Converter Clutch
........................... 102
Towing
........................................113, 149Disabled Vehicle.............................. 149Guide............................................ 115Recreational................................... 120Weight........................................... 115
Towing Behind A Motorhome
...................... 120
Traction
.............................................. 121
Traction Control
...................................... 60
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
........................... 61
Trailer Towing
....................................... 113Cooling System Tips.......................... 119Hitches.......................................... 114Minimum Requirements.................... 116Tips.............................................. 118Trailer And Tongue Weight.................. 115Wiring........................................... 118
Trailer Towing Guide
............................... 115
Trailer Weight
....................................... 115
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