
76STARTING AND OPERATING  
RECREATIONAL TOWING — AUTOMATIC 
T
RANSMISSION
Recreational towing is allowed  ONLY if the front 
wheels are  OFF the ground. This may be 
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If 
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,  following the dolly manufacturer's 
instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the  transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly,  following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES 
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other 
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to 
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon 
occurs when there is a difference in the surface 
traction under the front (driving) wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible 
for a wedge of water to build up between the tire 
and road surface. This is hydroplaning and may 
cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control 
and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the 
following precautions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads 
are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or 
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators 
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your 
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a 
collision in a sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER 
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to 
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the 
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires 
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF 
the ground.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above 
requirements can cause severe transmission 
damage. Damage from improper towing is not 
covered under the New Vehicle Limited 
Warranty.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is 
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden 
pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of 
the vehicle and possibly have a collision. Accelerate 
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be 
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 76   

134SAFETY  
Hill Start Assist (HSA)  
HSA is designed to assist the driver when starting 
a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain 
the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a 
short period of time after the driver takes their foot 
off of the brake pedal. If the driver does not apply 
the throttle during this short period of time, the 
system will release brake pressure and the vehicle 
will roll down the hill. The system will release brake 
pressure in proportion to the amount of throttle 
applied as the vehicle starts to move in the 
intended direction of travel.
HSA ACTIVATION CRITERIA
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA 
to activate:
The vehicle must be stopped.
The vehicle must be on a 5% (approximate) 
grade or greater hill.
Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction 
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; 
vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears 
when the activation criteria have been met. The 
system will not activate if the vehicle is placed in 
NEUTRAL or PARK.
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 
system, 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 TCS and ESC are in the “Partial Off” 
mode  Ú page 132.
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.
NOTE:TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always 
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the 
trailer tongue weight recommendations  
Úpage 68.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine 
power may be reduced and you may feel the 
brakes being applied to individual wheels to 
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is 
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial 
Off” mode.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a 
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when 
the system will not activate and slight rolling may 
occur. This could cause a collision with another 
vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is 
responsible for braking the vehicle.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle 
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and 
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 134   

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY177
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to  the left  Ú page 236.
8. Lower the jack to its fully-closed position.
9. Stow the cable and wheel spacer before  driving the vehicle  Ú page 177.
10. Stow the jack and tools under the driver’s seat.
11. Check the spare tire pressure as soon as  possible. Correct the tire pressure, as 
required.
12. When you place the spare tire back on the  winch or if you carry the tire in need of repair 
on the winch, always check that the tire is 
properly secured under the vehicle by pushing 
on the stowed tire under the rear fascia/
bumper at the back of the vehicle. If the tire 
has motion when pushed, use the tools to 
re-tighten the winch until a loud click is heard.
VEHICLES WITH ALLOY WHEELS
For stowing a damaged tire on vehicles with alloy 
wheels, remove the adapter bracket and bolts 
from the storage bag in the glove compartment 
and follow the steps below:
1. Take the adapter and fit the plastic spacer between the spring and the flange of the 
bracket (The adapter bracket is sold 
separately through the dealer).
Adapter/Spacer
 2. The plastic fin must be directed downwards 
and perfectly coincide with the flange cut part; 
fit the bracket in the adapter, fold the bracket 
up and secure it to the adapter with the 
fastening knob.
Adapter/Bracket
3. Position the tire vertically and lay the mounted  adapter on the inner part of the rim, using the 
supplied bolts fasten the wheel to the adapter 
using the bolt install wrench.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision 
or hard stop could endanger the occupants of 
the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the 
spare tire in the places provided. Have the 
deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced 
immediately.
1 — Adapter
2 — Plastic Spacer
1 — Adapter
2 — Fastening Knob7
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 177   

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY187
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE  
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheel OFF The Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
7
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188IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to 
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars 
and other equipment designed for this purpose, 
following equipment manufacturer’s instructions. 
Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar 
or other towing device to main structural members 
of the vehicle, not to fascia/bumpers or associated 
brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles 
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, 
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition 
must be in the ON/RUN mode.
If the ignition key is unavailable, or the vehicle's 
battery is discharged, for instructions on shifting 
the transmission out of PARK (P) for towing  
Ú page 184. FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with 
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
NOTE:If flatbed equipment is not available, this vehicle 
must be towed with the front wheels OFF the 
ground (using a towing dolly, or wheel lift 
equipment with the front wheels raised).
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM 
(EARS) 
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced 
Accident Response System.
This feature is a communication network that 
takes effect in the event of an impact  
Úpage 150.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data 
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to 
record data that will assist in understanding how a 
vehicle’s systems performed under certain crash 
or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag 
deployment or hitting a road obstacle   Úpage 151.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing. 
Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, 
do not attach to front or rear suspension 
components. Damage to your vehicle may 
result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above 
requirements can cause severe transmission 
damage. Damage from improper towing is not 
covered under the New Vehicle Limited 
Warranty.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 188   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE199
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control 
systems can result in civil penalties being 
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly 
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor 
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst 
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off 
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a 
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should 
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter 
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmis -
sion is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or 
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when 
diagnostic testing, or for prolonged periods 
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection 
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing 
weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant is 
dirty, the system should be drained, flushed, and 
refilled with fresh Organic Additive Technology 
(OAT) coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an 
authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C 
condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, 
etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a 
garden hose vertically down the face of the 
condenser.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle 
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the 
connection at the coolant recovery bottle and 
radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks. DO 
NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP 
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot 
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your 
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from 
under the hood, do not open the hood until the 
radiator has had time to cool. Never open a 
cooling system pressure cap when the radi -
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away 
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is 
raised. The fan starts automatically and may 
start at any time, whether the engine is 
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan, 
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF position. The fan is tempera -
ture controlled and can start at any time the 
ignition is in the ON position.
8
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222SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire And Loading Information Placard
Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about 
the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the  vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear,  and spare tires.
Loading 
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not 
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your 
vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load carrying 
capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, 
tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified 
on the Tire and Loading Information Placard  
Úpage 67.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross 
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear 
axles must not be exceeded. 
For further information on GAWR, vehicle loading, 
and trailer towing  Ú page 67.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of 
your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined 
weight of occupants and cargo should never 
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading 
Information placard. The combined weight of 
occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue 
weight (if applicable) should never exceed the 
weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load 
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined 
weight of occupants and cargo should 
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your 
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of 
the driver and passengers that will be 
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers from XXX kg or 
XXX lbs.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 222   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE223
(4) The resulting figure equals the 
available amount of cargo and luggage 
load capacity. For example, if “XXX” 
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will 
be five 150 lb passengers in your 
vehicle, the amount of available cargo 
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. 
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of 
luggage and cargo being loaded on the 
vehicle. That weight may not safely 
exceed the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity calculated in Step 4. (6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, 
load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage load 
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and 
there will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, 
the amount of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as 
shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from 
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. 
The following table shows examples on how to 
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing 
capacities of your vehicle with varying seating 
configurations and number and size of occu
-
pants. This table is for illustration purposes only 
and may not be accurate for the seating and 
load carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined weight 
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 
865 lb (392 kg).
8
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 223