SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE253
NOTE:Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well when
installing new tires due to wear and tear in existing
tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as
little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires
from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected
regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressures. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed Úpage 252. Refer to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation
of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol for
your tire will be found on the original equipment
tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire
Safety Information” section of this manual for
more information relating to the Load Index and
Speed Symbol of a tire Ú page 242.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or
two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever
replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s
specifications match those of the original wheels. It is recommended you contact an authorized tire
dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent replacement
tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and
ride of your vehicle.
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between different all season tires.
All season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,
M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all
season tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires —
If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in
snow or on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with
Summer tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving conditions.
Install Winter tires on your vehicle when ambient
temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads
are covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or
speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of unap
-
proved tires and wheels may change suspen -
sion dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspen -
sion components. You could lose control and
have a collision resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with
load ratings approved for your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire over -
loading and failure. You could lose control and
have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in
sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
8
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 253
254SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified
by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall. If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
what was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice,
skid and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces
may be poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local
laws should be checked before using these tire
types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú
page 124.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and
wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an authorized
tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation
pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any
given time.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions.
You could lose vehicle control, resulting in
severe injury or death. Driving too fast for
conditions also creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car
wash with a compact or limited use temporary
spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 254
260SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more
than 3 weeks, you may want to take these steps to
protect your battery.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (e.g., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri-
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
A
GENTS
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice and those
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during
other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in
your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your
vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold
weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection. The following maintenance recommendations will
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
Stone and gravel impact.
Insects, tree sap and tar.
Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
BODY AND UNDERBODY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights
and fog lights that are lighter and less susceptible
to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
therefore different lens cleaning procedures must
be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses
and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry
cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap
solution followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components,
solvents, steel wool or other aggressive material to
clean the lenses.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Washing
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your
vehicle in the shade using Mopar® Car Wash, or
a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels
completely with water.
If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, use Mopar®
Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover to remove.
Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar®
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to
protect your paint finish. Use care to never the
scratch the paint.
Avoid using abrasive compounds and power
buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out
the paint finish.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 260
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE261
Special Care
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you
drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage
at least once a month.
It is important that the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be
kept clear and open.
If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the
paint, touch them up immediately.
If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or
similar cause that destroys the paint and protec -tive coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon
as possible.
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
Use Mopar® Touch Up Paint on scratches as
soon as possible. An authorized dealer has
touch up paint to match the color of your
vehicle.
INTERIORS
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Use Mopar® Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts with
chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will
weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use Mopar® Total
Clean, a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do
not remove the belts from the vehicle to wash
them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric. Replace
the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning mate
-
rials such as steel wool or scouring powder
that will scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8,274 kPa) can result in damage or removal
of paint and decals.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable, and
if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a
collision and leave you with no protection.
Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt
system. If your vehicle is involved in a collision,
or if you have questions regarding seat belt or
retractor conditions, take your vehicle to an
authorized FCA dealer or authorized FCA
Certified Collision Care Program facility for
inspection.
8
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274
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 263
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control)..100
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 225Adding Fuel.................................................... 118Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 216Additives, Fuel............................................... 265AdjustForward....................................................... 32Rearward..................................................... 32Air Bag........................................................... 168Advance Front Air Bag............................... 168Air Bag Operation...................................... 170Air Bag Warning Light................................ 168Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 170Enhanced Accident Response......... 174, 209Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 209Front Air Bag............................................. 168If Deployment Occurs................................ 173Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 170Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 175Maintenance............................................. 175Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............168Side Air Bags............................................. 170Transporting Pets...................................... 189
Air Bag Light.................................. 77, 168, 190
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)... 218
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 218Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 218, 219Air Conditioner System...........................52, 218Air Conditioning Filter..............................55, 219Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 55Air Filter........................................................ 218Air PressureTires......................................................... 250AlarmArm The System................................... 19, 20Rearm The System...................................... 20Security Alarm............................... 19, 20, 79Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 19All Wheel DriveTowing...................................................... 209All Wheel Drive (AWD)................................... 228Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 224, 267Disposal................................................... 225Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 145Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 79
Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................19Assist, Hill Start............................................. 150Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 128Auto Down Power Windows..............................62Automatic Door Locks......................................25Automatic Headlights.......................................46Automatic High Beams.....................................45Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............54Automatic Transmission...................................92Adding Fluid..................................... 228, 269Fluid And Filter Change............................. 228Fluid Change............................................. 228Fluid Level Check...................................... 227Fluid Type........................................ 228, 269Special Additives...................................... 227
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode...25, 95
AutoPark..........................................................87AutostickOperation.....................................................96AUX Cord..........................................................58Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........60AWDTowing...................................................... 209Axle Fluid....................................................... 269Axle Lubrication............................................ 269
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 274
276
Deluxe Security Alarm
...................................... 20Diagnostic System, Onboard........................... 84Dimmer Switch Headlight..................................................... 45DipsticksOil (Engine)................................................ 216Disable Vehicle Towing.................................. 208DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 225Door Ajar.......................................................... 78Door Ajar Light................................................. 78Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 25Child-Protection Door Lock — Rear Doors.... 25Doors............................................................... 22Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 30DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 127
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 146Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 145Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 147, 151Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 38
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses)...229
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........ 98Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................147Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........ 78
Emergency Gas Can Refueling...................... 203Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 206Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 193Jacking..................................................... 197Jump Starting........................................... 201Towing...................................................... 208Emission Control System Maintenance........... 85Engine.................................................. 214, 215Air Cleaner................................................ 218Block Heater................................................ 89Break-In Recommendations........................ 89Checking Oil Level.................................... 216Compartment.................................. 214, 215Compartment Identification...................... 214Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 224, 268Cooling..................................................... 224Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 191, 192Fails To Start............................................... 88Flooded, Starting......................................... 88Fuel Requirements................................... 264Jump Starting........................................... 201Oil........................................... 217, 267, 268Oil Filler Cap............................................. 214Oil Filter.................................................... 218Oil Selection.................................... 217, 267Oil Synthetic............................................. 218Overheating.............................................. 204Starting........................................................ 86
Enhanced Accident Response Feature... 174, 209
Ethanol.......................................................... 265Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 191, 192Exhaust System................................... 191, 222Exterior Lighting...............................................44Exterior Lights........................................ 44, 191
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 218Air Conditioning................................. 55, 219Engine Oil........................................ 218, 268Engine Oil Disposal................................... 218Flashers........................................................ 193Hazard Warning........................................ 193Turn Signals................................ 47, 83, 191Flash-To-Pass...................................................46Flooded Engine Starting...................................88Floor Console...................................................57Fluid Capacities............................................ 267Fluid Leaks.................................................... 191Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 226Cooling System......................................... 224Engine Oil................................................. 216Transfer Case........................................... 228Fluid, Brake................................................... 269Fog Lights........................................................47Fold-Flat Seats.................................................30
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