
327
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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. This 
means that service is required for your vehicle. 
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, 
trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient 
temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change 
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle 
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 
500 miles (805 km).An 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 an authorized dealer  
Ú
page 113.
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. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear 
or damage. Rotate tires 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 
and brake master cylinder, fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
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332SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure 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 up engine 
is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground 
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low 
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the 
range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the 
MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch 
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 liter) of oil when the reading is 
at the low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil 
level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID 
Windshield Washer Fluid Cap
The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the 
engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid 
level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the 
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not 
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a 
few seconds to flush out the residual washer fluid.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take 
some washer fluid, apply it to a cloth or towel, and 
wipe clean the wiper blades; this will help blade 
performance. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer 
system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture 
that meets or exceeds the temperature range of 
your climate. This rating information can be found 
on most washer fluid containers.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY 
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free 
battery. You will never have to add water, and 
periodic maintenance is not required.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will 
cause 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  Ú
page 318.
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 332   

342SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
COOLING SYSTEMEngine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection 
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing 
weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant is 
dirty, the system should be drained, flushed, and 
refilled with fresh Organic Additive Technology 
(OAT) coolant (conforming to MS.90032) 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.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle 
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the 
connection at the coolant recovery bottle and 
radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks. DO 
NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP 
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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 Organic Additive 
Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to 
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals  
Úpage 328.
Selection Of Coolant 
For further information  Ú page 382.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than 
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) 
engine coolant, may result in engine damage 
and may decrease corrosion protection. OAT 
engine coolant is different and should not be 
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology 
(HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is 
introduced into the cooling system in an emer -
gency, the cooling system will need to be 
drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT 
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine 
coolant products. Do not use additional rust 
inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they may not 
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant 
and may plug the radiator.
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 pressure cap when the radi -
ator 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 automatically 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 igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature 
controlled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 342   

344SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Disposal Of Used Coolant 
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is 
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. 
Check with your local authorities to determine the 
disposal rules for your community. To prevent 
ingestion by animals or children, do not store 
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers 
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If 
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency 
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground spills 
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick 
visual method for determining that the coolant 
level is adequate. With the engine off and cold, the 
level of the coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should 
be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines marked on 
the bottle.
As long as the engine operating temperature is 
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be 
checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the 
proper level, it should be added to the coolant 
bottle. Do not overfill.
See an authorized dealer for service.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor 
coming from the front of the engine compartment. 
This is normally a result of moisture from rain, 
snow, or high humidity accumulating on the 
radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat 
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to 
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment 
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the 
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon 
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator 
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine 
coolant needs to be added, the contents of the 
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected 
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are 
required, the cooling system should be pressure 
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a 
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to 
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains 
aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle 
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your 
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep 
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or 
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat. 
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory 
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage, 
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM 
In order to ensure brake system performance, all 
brake system components should be inspected 
periodically. For the proper maintenance intervals 
Ú page 328.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and 
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting 
or riding on the brake pedal can result in 
abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive 
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You 
would not have your full braking capacity in an 
emergency.
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 344   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE345
(Continued)
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked 
when performing under hood services or 
immediately if the “Brake Warning Light” is 
illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area 
before removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to 
bring the fluid level up to the requirements 
described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc 
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the 
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be 
checked when pads are replaced. However, low 
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup 
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer recommended brake fluid  
Ú page 383.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against 
using any special additives in the transmission. 
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an 
engineered product and its performance may be 
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do 
not add any fluid additives to the transmission. 
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may 
adversely affect seals.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer recommended brake 
fluid Ú page 383. 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 master 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 reservoir 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.
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 contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components 
could be damaged, causing partial or 
complete brake failure. This could result in a 
collision.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your 
transmission as the chemicals can damage your 
transmission components. Such damage is not 
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
8
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 345   

346SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not 
require adjustment under normal operating 
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not 
required; therefore the transmission has no 
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your 
transmission fluid level using special service tools. 
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission 
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer 
immediately to have the transmission fluid level 
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper 
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes 
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid 
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory 
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. 
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid 
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the 
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant 
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid 
to ensure optimum transmission performance and 
life. Use only the manufacturer specified 
transmission fluid  Úpage 383. It is important to 
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level 
using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be 
used.
FUSES
General Information
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an 
authorized dealer immediately. Severe 
transmission damage may occur. An authorized 
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid 
level accurately.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the 
manufacturer recommended fluid may cause 
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or 
torque converter shudder  Ú page 383.
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, always use an 
appropriate replacement fuse with the same 
amp rating as the original fuse. Never replace 
a fuse with another fuse of higher amp rating. 
Never replace a blown fuse with metal wires or 
any other material. Do not place a fuse inside 
a circuit breaker cavity or vice versa. Failure to 
use proper fuses may result in serious 
personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the 
ignition is off and that all the other services 
are switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an 
authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems 
(air bag system, braking system), power unit 
systems (engine system, transmission 
system) or steering system blows, contact an 
authorized dealer.
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 346   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE347
The fuses protect electrical systems against 
excessive current.
When a device does not work, you must check
the fuse element inside the blade fuse for a
break/melt.
Also, please be aware that when using power 
outlets for extended periods of time with the 
engine off may result in vehicle battery discharge.
Blade Fuses
Underhood Fuses
The Power Distribution Center (PDC) is located in 
the engine compartment near the battery. This 
center contains cartridge fuses, mini-fuses, 
micro-fuses, circuit breakers and relays. A label 
that identifies each component is printed on the 
inside of the cover.
Before any procedure is done on the PDC, make 
sure engine is turned off.
Remove the cover by unlatching the two locks 
located at each side of the PDC cover, avoid the 
usage of screw drivers or any other tool to remove 
the cover, since they may apply excessive force 
and result in a broken/damaged part. After service is done, secure the cover with its two 
locks.NOTE:The function and amperage of these fuses are 
different, depending on vehicle trim level and 
content.
Power Distribution Center
1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse 
element
3 — Blade fuse with a bad/not functional fuse 
element (blown fuse)
8
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378TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until 
each nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure 
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt 
(do not insert it halfway).
Torque Patterns
After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut/bolt 
torque to be sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are 
properly tightened.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS 
While operating on gasoline with the required 
octane number, hearing a light knocking sound 
from the engine is not a cause for concern. 
However, if the engine is heard making a heavy 
knocking sound, see a dealer immediately. Use of 
gasoline with a lower than recommended octane 
number can cause engine failure and may void or 
not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited 
Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as 
hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you 
experience these symptoms, try another brand of 
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
3.6L ENGINE   
Do not use E-85 flex fuel or ethanol blends greater 
than 15% in this engine. This engine is designed to meet all 
emissions regulations and provide 
optimum fuel economy and performance 
when using high quality unleaded regular 
gasoline having a posted octane number of 87 as 
specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of 
higher octane premium gasoline is not required, as 
it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline 
in these engines.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE     
Many areas of the country require the use of 
cleaner burning gasoline referred to as 
“reformulated gasoline”. Reformulated gasoline 
contains oxygenates and are specifically blended 
to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air 
quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. 
Properly blended reformulated gasoline will 
provide improved performance and durability of 
engine and fuel system components.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the 
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until 
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow 
this warning may result in personal injury.
21_RUP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 378