Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Stan-
dard MS.90032 and 50% water is recom-
mended. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper coolant
selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter
months is not recommended because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime 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
settings. This will ensure adequate system lu-
brication to minimize the possibility of compres-
sor damage when the system is started again.Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by turning the mode selector to De-
frost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide suffi-
cient heating. If side window fogging becomes a
problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy
or humid weather.
NOTE:
Recirculate without A/C should not be used
for long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each
end of the instrument panel. These non-
adjustable outlets direct air toward the side
windows when the system is in the FLOOR,
MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view
the outside mirrors.Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front
of the windshield, is free of obstructions such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air intake may
reduce airflow, and if they enter the plenum,
they could plug the water drains. In winter
months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen
from entering the cabin. The filter acts on air
coming from outside the vehicle and recircu-
lated air within the passenger compartment.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for
service. Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter service inter-
vals.
158
Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer
towing, all starts must be in first gear to avoid
excessive clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting or changes in
engine speed occur while in DRIVE, use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a
lower gear ratio.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear ratio while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will
improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup. This action will also provide
better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then
change the transmission fluid and filter asspecified for"police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing."Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
AutoStick
•When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose"4"if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose"3"or"2"if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
•To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid ex-
tended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and increase en-
gine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
222
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .253
•ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .254
•ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . ..........255
•Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity.......255
•Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message...................256
•REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
•MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......256
•Engine Oil................................256
•Engine Oil Filter............................258
•Engine Air Cleaner Filter.......................258
•Maintenance-Free Battery.......................258
•Air Conditioner Maintenance.....................259
•Body Lubrication............................261
•Windshield Wiper Blades.......................261
•Adding Washer Fluid.........................261
•Exhaust System............................262
•Cooling System............................263
•Brake System..............................266
•Automatic Transmission (6-Speed) — If Equipped........267
251
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
253
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
254
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
CAUTION!(Continued)
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-saving product. However, the manufac-
turer recommends that air conditioning service
be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C sys-
tem PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the A/C 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.
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove compartment. Perform the
following procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all
contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compart-
ment and lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure
the filter cover to the HVAC housing, and
remove the cover.5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight
out of the housing.
6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the
filter pointing toward the floor. When install-
ing the filter cover, make sure the retaining
tabs fully engage the cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
260
CAUTION!
The A/C air filter is identified with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter.
Failure to properly install the filter will result
in the need to replace it more often.
7. Rotate the glove compartment door back
into position.
Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, decklid, sliding
doors and hood hinges, should be lubricated
periodically with a lithium based grease, such
as MOPAR Spray White Lube to assure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil
and grease should be removed. Particular at-
tention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When
performing other underhood services, the hoodlatch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Fall and Spring.
Apply a small amount of a high quality lubricant,
such as MOPAR Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper BladesClean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and
the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft
cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using the
wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry wind-
shield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or
ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and fre-
quency of use. Poor performance of blades
may be present with chattering, marks, wa-
ter lines or wet spots. If any of these condi-
tions are present, clean the wiper blades or
replace as necessary.Adding Washer FluidThe washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment, and the fluid level should
be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radia-
tor antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and 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 cli-
mate. This rating information can be found on
most washer fluid containers.
261