
6
JUMP STARTING .................................................. 246 Preparations For Jump Start......................... 247Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 247
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 248
MANUAL PARK RELEASE — 8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION .................................................. 249
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 250
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .......................... 252 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Models.................. 253
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 253
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......................... 253
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................... 254
3.6L And 5.7L Engines ................................. 254
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 259
3.6L Engine ................................................... 2595.7L Engine ................................................... 260Checking Oil Level ......................................... 261
Adding Washer Fluid ................................... 261Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 262
Pressure Washing ......................................... 262 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE..................................... 263
Engine Oil ...................................................... 263
Engine Oil Filter ........................................... 265Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............................ 265
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................... 266
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 267Body Lubrication ......................................... 268
Windshield Wiper Blades ............................ 268
Exhaust System ............................................. 270Cooling System ............................................ 271
Brake System ............................................... 274
Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual
Transmission (If Equipped)........................... 275Manual Transmission — If Equipped............ 275
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ....... 275
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped .......... 276
Rear Axle ........................................................ 276Fuses.............................................................. 277
Bulb Replacement ........................................ 286
TIRES..................................................................... 290
Tire Safety Information ................................ 290Tires — General Information ........................ 297
Tire Types....................................................... 301
Spare Tires — If Equipped ............................ 301
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ........................ 303
Snow Traction Devices ................................. 304
Tire Rotation Recommendations ................. 306 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................... 306
Treadwear...................................................... 307
Traction Grades ............................................. 307Temperature Grades..................................... 307
VEHICLE STORAGE ............................................ 307
BODYWORK .......................................................... 308
Protection From Atmospheric Agents ........ 308Body And Underbody Maintenance ............. 308
Preserving The Bodywork ............................. 308
INTERIORS ........................................................... 309
Seats And Fabric Parts ................................. 309
Plastic And Coated Parts .............................. 309
Leather Surfaces........................................... 310
Glass Surfaces ............................................. 310
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) ........ 311
BRAKE SYSTEM .................................................. 311
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................. 311Torque Specifications ................................... 311
22_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 6

86STARTING AND OPERATING
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it
will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming effect
on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the
hood on the driver side of the vehicle. It has a
removable cap that is located near the air box.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
3.6L & 5.7L
A long break-in period is not required for the
drivetrain (engine, transmission, clutch, and rear
axle) in your new 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. However, wide-open throttle acceleration
in low gear can be detrimental and should be
avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle
lubricant installed at the factory are high-quality
and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant
changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate and conditions under which vehicle
operations will occur. For the recommended
viscosity and quality grades Ú page 316.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first
few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in
and not interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil indi -
cator 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 and place the gear
selector in the PARK or REVERSE (manual
transmission only) position.
When the parking brake is applied and the ignition
switch is in the ON/RUN position, the Brake
Warning Light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the Brake
Warning Light will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the driver.
Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING89
The spring will try to pull the gear selector toward
THIRD and FOURTH gear. Make sure you move the
gear selector into SECOND or FIFTH gear. If you let
the gear selector move in the direction of the
pulling, you may end shifting from FIRST to
FOURTH or from SIXTH to THIRD gear. You must always use FIRST gear (or REVERSE)
when starting from a standing position.
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for
fuel economy, it should be upshifted as listed in
recommended shift speed chart.
Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively
steady speeds) may result in increased fuel
economy.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a
desired acceleration rate.
NOTE:
Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission
reverse inhibitor system. Always depress the
clutch pedal fully to the floor before shifting into
REVERSE. When vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), the reverse inhibitor activates
to help prevent shifts into REVERSE. When at a
complete stop, you may notice lighter shift
efforts into REVERSE with the ignition switch in
the ON position (RUN position for Keyless Enter ‘n Go™), as compared to the igni
-
tion LOCK position (OFF position for Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™). This is normal operation of the
transmission reverse inhibitor system.
Due to the high performance nature of your
drivetrain, you may hear your transmission. This
can be most noticeable when the vehicle is
idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch engaged
(clutch pedal released), but it may also be heard
when driving at low engine RPM. Also, this may
be more noticeable when the transmission is
warm. This is a normal condition and is not an
indication of a problem with your clutch or trans -
mission.
1–4 SKIP SHIFT
In Auto Drive Mode, Default, or Street Drive Modes,
there are times when you must shift the
transmission directly from FIRST gear to FOURTH
gear instead of from FIRST gear to SECOND gear.
This is to help you get the best possible fuel
economy from your vehicle. This occurs when the
engine coolant (antifreeze) is higher than 106°F
(41°C), vehicle speed is greater than 19 mph
(30 km/h) but less than 21 mph (34 km/h), and
the transmission is in FIRST gear, and the
accelerator is at ¼ throttle or less.
After you shift the transmission to FOURTH gear,
you can press the clutch in and shift to another
forward gear.
CAUTION!
Always make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting into REVERSE.
Failure to do so may result in transmission
damage.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
Axle Ratio 1-44-55-6
3.90 mph
203748
km/h 3259774
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STARTING AND OPERATING97
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L —
IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The system
is automatic with no driver inputs or additional
driving skills required. When the system is active,
an indication will display within the instrument
cluster “Fuel Economy” main menu screen.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system provides
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The system adapts to different
driving conditions. If the electric steering system
experiences a fault that prevents it from providing
assist, you will still have the ability to steer the
vehicle manually. Alternate electric power steering efforts can be
selected through the Uconnect System
Ú
page 123.
If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or
the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF – SERVICE
SYSTEM” message is displayed within the
instrument cluster display, this indicates the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service
Ú page 73.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering system is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, they
indicate that extreme steering maneuvers may
have occurred which caused an over temperature
condition in the power steering system. Once
driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the
vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon and
message turn off.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main -
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be
unavailable, and vice versa.
CRUISE CONTROL
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
20 mph (32 km/h), depending on engine size and
axle ratio.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
4
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STARTING AND OPERATING113
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is
tightened properly. The MIL in the instrument
cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not secured
properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight -
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a ”gASCAP” message will display in the
odometer or a “Check Gascap” message will
display in the instrument cluster. If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
Trip Odometer button to turn off the message. If
the problem continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler
cap may also turn on the MIL.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown
on the “Vehicle Certification Label”. This
information should be used for passenger and
luggage loading as indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the drivers side B-pillar or the rear of the
driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impuri -
ties into the fuel system.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the
fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.4
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114STARTING AND OPERATING
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not exceed
the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and
ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale
to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the
vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles. Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store
heavier items down low and be sure you distribute
their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose
items securely before driving. If weighing the
loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is within the
specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles
and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to
the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR
and GAWRs Ú
page 113.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section, you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible. To maintain warranty coverage, follow the
requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not
recommended.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will
assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR Ú
page 113.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables, and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation"
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put
your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The
entire weight of the trailer must be supported by
the scale.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving
condition can result if either rating is exceeded.
You could lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
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STARTING AND OPERATING117
(Continued)
(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your fascia/bumper or trailer hitch.
Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip
-
ment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire And Loading Infor -
mation” placard for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.CAUTION!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severely side to
side which will cause loss of control of the
vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. Always, block or
"chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
WARNING!
4
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118STARTING AND OPERATING
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled
Servicing” Ú page 254. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. For proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 290.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
Max loading as defined on the “Tire and
Loading Information” placard.
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that
a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your
brake system and cause it to fail. You might
not have brakes when you need them and
could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do
this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear,
higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping
distances.
22_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118