5
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................. 211Maintenance Plan......................................212
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 215
3.6L Engine ...............................................215Checking Oil Level......................................216
Adding Washer Fluid..................................217Maintenance-Free Battery .......................217
Pressure Washing ......................................217
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ................................... 218
Engine Oil ...................................................218
Engine Oil Filter ..........................................219Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...........................219
Air Conditioner Maintenance ...................219Body Lubrication ........................................221
Windshield Wiper Blades .........................221
Exhaust System ........................................221
Cooling System ..........................................223Brake System ............................................226
Automatic Transmission ............................226
FUSES .........................................................228
BULB REPLACEMENT ................................235
TIRES .................................................................. 240
Tire Safety Information .............................240Tires — General Information .....................248Tire Types ...................................................252
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........................253
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ....................255
Snow Traction Devices .............................257Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............258 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................. 259
Treadwear .................................................. 259
Traction Grades ......................................... 259
Temperature Grades ................................. 259
STORING THE VEHICLE .....................................260
BODYWORK ........................................................ 260
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 260
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 260Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 261
INTERIORS ......................................................... 261
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 261
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 262
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 263Glass Surfaces .......................................... 263Cleaning The Instrument Panel
Cupholders ................................................. 263
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.................264
BRAKE SYSTEM .................................................. 264
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .... 264
Torque Specifications ................................ 264
FUEL REQUIREMENTS .......................................265
3.6L Engine ................................................ 265
Reformulated Gasoline ............................ 266
Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 266
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..................... 266Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 266
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ..... 267
MMT In Gasoline........................................ 267
Fuel System Cautions................................ 267
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................. 268
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................. 268
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ............... 270
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE
FOR YOUR VEHICLE .......................................... 271 Prepare For The Appointment .................. 271Prepare A List............................................. 271
Be Reasonable With Requests ................. 271
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE .............................. 271
FCA US LLC Customer Center ................... 272
FCA Canada Inc. Customer Center ........... 272
Mexico ........................................................ 272
Puerto Rico And US Virgin Islands ............ 272
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) ..................... 272 Service Contract ....................................... 272
WARRANTY INFORMATION .............................. 273
MOPAR PARTS .................................................. 273
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ........................ 273 In The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C. ....................................... 273 In Canada ................................................... 273
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS ........................ 274
General Information.......................................... 274
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL53
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long
as four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if the
brake warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will
illuminate if any of the following
conditions occur: Engine Oil Pressure
Sensor Failure, External Light Failure,
Fuel Cut-Off intervention or fail, Parking Sensor
Failure, Dynamic Steering Torque System
Failure.
The telltale will remain on fixed in case of swivel
seat failure and on blinking in case of Air Bag
Warning Light Failure. Contact an authorized
dealer immediately for service.
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Forward Collision Warning Off Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to
indicate that Forward Collision
Warning is off.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the FCW System.
Contact an authorized dealer for service.
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when TOW/HAUL mode is selected
Ú page 78.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This
could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
3
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 53
64STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
to select a lower gear range Úpage 65. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves
warm-up time of the engine and transmission
to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement
of the torque converter clutch is inhibited until
the transmission fluid is warm
Ú
page 66. During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F
[-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to THIRD gear only. Normal operation
will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, Transmission Limp
Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the
transmission remains in THIRD gear regardless
of which forward gear is selected. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Transmission Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK. 3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission. If the
transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64
66STARTING AND OPERATING
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (SIXTH gear).
The transmission will automatically shift into
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, push the TOW/
HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This
will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure
due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are
delayed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the
switch a second time restores normal
operation. Normal operation is always the
default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time
the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic
transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the
torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle
speed drops or during some accelerations, the
clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine
coolant are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine
speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive
when cold. This is normal. Using the Elec
-
tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when
the transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within five
seconds after starting the engine.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will
provide increased vehicle response and ease
of maneuverability. The system will provide
mechanical steering capability if power assist
is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will
observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66
152SAFETY
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing
the ESC OFF button.
When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion
of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will be
illuminated. When in the “Partial Off” mode,
ESC will operate without engine torque
management. This mode is intended to be used
if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would
normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the
ESC OFF button. This will restore the normal
“ESC On” mode of operation. NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to
the “Partial Off” mode by pushing the ESC OFF
button. Once the situation requiring ESC to be
switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome,
turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing the
ESC OFF button. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition
is turned to the ON mode. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction
and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to
flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the ESC OFF Indicator
Light will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152
154SAFETY
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
Traction Control System (TCS)
TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected,
brake pressure is applied to the slipping
wheel(s) and engine power is reduced, to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A
feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD), functions similarly to a limited slip
differential and controls the wheel spin across a
driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will
allow more engine torque to be applied to the
wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains
active even if the ESC is in the “Partial Off”
mode.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
(in the instrument cluster) will start to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels
begin to spin. This indicates that the TCS is
active. If the indicator light flashes during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and
apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESC
or TCS.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and apply
the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the sway of the trailer.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If
so, there may not be enough brake pres -
sure to hold both the vehicle and the trailer
on a hill when the brake pedal is released.
In order to avoid rolling down an incline
while resuming acceleration, manually acti -
vate the trailer brake or apply more vehicle
brake pressure prior to releasing the brake
pedal.
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting your
vehicle. Also, be certain to place the trans -
mission in PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in a collision or serious personal injury.
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154
188SAFETY
(Continued)
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the lug nut/bolt torque for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper cold
inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat that
cannot be properly attached and secured to
your vehicle. If a floor mat needs to be
replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year
of your vehicle.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the accel -
erator, the brake, and the clutch pedal (if
present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of
any pedal, or is not secure to the floor,
remove the floor mat from the vehicle and
place the floor mat in your trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on
the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle
control.
WARNING! (Continued)
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects
could change the position of the floor mat
and may cause interference with the accel -
erator, brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and
re-installed, always properly attach carpet
to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for inter -
ference with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals then re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 188
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE227
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should
be used in any transmission; only the approved
lubricant should be used.
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. The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed
transmissions. Avoid using transmission
sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
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 filler tube
is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission
fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit your 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
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú
page 212.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes Ú page 270.
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.
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.
8
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 227