5
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................. 217Maintenance Plan......................................217
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 221
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ...................221Checking Oil Level......................................222
Adding Washer Fluid .................................222
Maintenance-Free Battery .......................222
Pressure Washing ......................................223
DEALER SERVICE .............................................. 223
Engine Oil ...................................................223
Engine Oil Filter ..........................................224Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................224
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................225
Body Lubrication ........................................225
Windshield Wiper Blades ..........................225
Exhaust System ........................................226
Cooling System ..........................................227Brake System ............................................230
Automatic Transmission ...........................231
Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped ............232
TIRES ................................................................... 234
Tire Safety Information .............................. 234
Tires — General Information .....................242Tire Types ...................................................246
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........................247
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care .....................248Tire Chains and Traction Devices ............249
Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............250 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES .....................................250
Treadwear .................................................. 250
Traction Grades ......................................... 251
Temperature Grades ................................. 251
STORING THE VEHICLE ......................................251
BODYWORK ........................................................ 252
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 252
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 252Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 252
INTERIORS ......................................................... 253
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 253
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 253
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 254Glass Surfaces .......................................... 254
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.................255
BRAKE SYSTEM .................................................. 255
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 255
Torque Specifications ................................ 255
FUEL REQUIREMENTS .......................................256
Gasoline Engine ......................................... 256
Reformulated Gasoline ............................. 256Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends .................... 257
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 257
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications... 257
MMT In Gasoline ........................................ 257
Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 257 Fuel System Cautions................................ 258
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..................... 258
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................. 259
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................. 259
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS .............. 261
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE .................................................. 262 Prepare For The Appointment .................. 262Prepare A List............................................. 262
Be Reasonable With Requests ................. 262
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE .............................. 262
FCA US LLC Customer Center ................... 262
FCA Canada Inc. Customer Center ........... 262
Mexico ........................................................ 263
Puerto Rico And US Virgin Islands ............ 263
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) ..................... 263 Service Contract ....................................... 263
WARRANTY INFORMATION .............................. 264
MOPAR PARTS................................................... 264
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ........................ 264
In The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C. ....................................... 264 In Canada ................................................... 264
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS ........................ 264
General Information.......................................... 265
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5
60STARTING AND OPERATING
1. Locate the engine block heater cord
(behind the driver’s side headlamp).
2. Undo the hook-and-loop strap that secures the heater cord in place.
3. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
4. After the vehicle is running, reattach the cord to the hook-and-loop strap and
properly stow away behind the driver’s side
headlamp.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not
equipped, heater cords are available from an
authorized Mopar dealer.
The engine block heater will require 110 Volts
AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater
element.
The engine block heater must be plugged in
at least one hour to have an adequate
warming effect on the engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and
should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Ú page 259. NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as a concern.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break in period. Add
oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave an automatic transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in the center
console. To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up as firmly as possible. To release the
parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, push
the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 60
222SERVICING 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 cross -
hatch markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1 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
The windshield and rear window washers share
the same fluid reservoir. 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 water.
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 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 204.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE223
Pressure Washing
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
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
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, FCA only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified
and meet the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). FCA only
recommends API Certified engine oils.
This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30,
5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
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.
8
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 223
224SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
FCA 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
an authorized dealer, service station or
governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely
discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be
used for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality mopar certified filters should be
used.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 217. NOTE:
Be sure to follow the Severe Duty Conditions
maintenance interval if applicable
Úpage 217.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality mopar certified
filters should be used.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 224
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE231
(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 FCA recommended brake fluid
Ú page 261.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance and life. Use only FCA specified
transmission fluid Ú page 261. 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
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
WARNING!
Use only FCA recommended brake fluid
Ú page 261. 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 reser -
voir.
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 reser -
voir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
an 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
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than FCA
recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder Ú page 261.
8
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 231
254SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Leather Surfaces
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended
for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved
by regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth.
Small particles of dirt can act as an abrasive
and damage the leather upholstery and should
be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft
cloth and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be
taken to avoid soaking your leather upholstery
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils,
cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to
show any foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye
transfer more so than darker colors. The leather
is designed for easy cleaning, and FCA recom
-
mends Mopar total care leather cleaner applied
on a cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a
regular basis with Mopar Glass Cleaner, or any
commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution
when cleaning the inside rear window equipped
with electric defrosters or windows equipped
with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments that may scratch the
elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray
cleaner on the towel or cloth that you are using.
Do not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or
Ketone based cleaning products to clean
leather upholstery, as damage to the
upholstery may result.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 254