
54STARTING AND OPERATING
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 240.
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 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.
Parking Brake
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the ON position, the Brake Warning Light
in the instrument cluster display will illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the auto
-
matic 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.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade. For
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission,
apply the parking brake before placing the gear
selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 54

STARTING AND OPERATING55
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the
key fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended
is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children. A child
could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK. Failure to do
so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake system
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle
always come to a complete stop, then apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the
ignition key. Once the key is removed, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key from the vehicle and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-
dren). A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
4
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 55

56STARTING AND OPERATING
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in
PARK before the ignition can be turned to the full
STOP (OFF/LOCK) (key removal) position. The key
can only be removed from the ignition when the
ignition is in the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, and
once removed, the transmission is locked in PARK.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the
brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of
PARK, the ignition must be in the MAR (ON/RUN)
position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle
is stopped or moving at low speeds.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed
both beside the gear selector and in the
instrument cluster display. To select a gear range,
push the lock button on the gear selector and
move the lever rearward or forward. You must also
press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out
of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped
or moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE range
for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission gear
(for example, driver selects REVERSE while driving
forward), the position indicator will blink continu
-
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles or kilometers. The 9-speed transmission has been developed to
meet the needs of current and future FWD/AWD
vehicles. Software and calibration is refined to
optimize the customer’s driving experience and
fuel economy. By design, some vehicle and
driveline combinations utilize NINTH gear only in
very specific driving situations and conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift positions. Manual downshifts can
be made using the ERS shift control. Moving the gear
selector into the ERS “-”/”+” position (beside the
DRIVE position) activates ERS mode, displays the
current gear in the instrument cluster, and prevents
automatic upshifts beyond this gear. In ERS mode,
toggling the gear selector forward “-” or rearward “+”
will change the highest available gear
Ú
page 59.
NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed
forward) it is probably in the ERS “+”/”-” position
(beside the DRIVE position). In ERS mode, the
transmission gear limit (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in
the instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to
the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above
idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 56

STARTING AND OPERATING57
(Continued)
(Continued)
Gear Selector
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler
-
ating. This is especially important when the engine
is cold.
PARK (P)
The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
If necessary, apply the parking brake prior to
placing the vehicle in PARK. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear
selector out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the engine off.
Remove the ignition key.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to
guard against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the trans
-
mission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle
always come to a complete stop, then apply
the parking brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine off, and remove the
ignition key. Once the key is removed, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key from the vehicle and lock the
vehicle.
WARNING!
4
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 57

58STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button
on the gear selector and firmly move the gear
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
With brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
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), use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to
select a lower gear range Úpage 59. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operating limits, the transmission controller may
modify the transmission shift schedule, reduce
engine torque, and/or expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-
dren). A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, and also press the brake
pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 75.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 187.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 58

62STARTING AND OPERATING
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or
gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
TO RESUME SPEED
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+)
button and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 20 mph (32 km/h) up to the
maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
TO DEACTIVATE
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CAN button,
or normal brake pressure will deactivate the Cruise
Control system without erasing the set speed from
memory.
Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition
switch off erases the set speed from memory.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense system provides an audible
indication of the distance between the rear fascia/
bumper and a detected obstacle when backing up
(e.g. during a parking maneuver) Ú page 64.
The ParkSense system is automatically activated
when the transmission is placed into REVERSE. As
the distance from an obstacle behind the vehicle
decreases, the audible alert becomes more frequent.
Interaction With Trailer Towing
The ParkSense system is automatically
deactivated when a trailer equipped by Mopar® is
hitched to the vehicle. The system will be
automatically activated as soon as the trailer is
removed. If it does not happen, turning the key
ignition switch to STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and
then to AVV (START) again would be needed. If a
non-Mopar® trailer hitch is mounted, the sensor
deactivation cannot be guaranteed.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST
S
ENSORS
The four ParkSense sensors, located in the rear
fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle
that is within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors
can detect obstacles, in the horizontal direction,
from approximately 12 inches (30 cm) up to
55 inches (140 cm) from the center of the rear
fascia/bumper and up to 24 inches (60 cm) from
the corners of the rear fascia/bumper, depending on
the location, type and orientation of the obstacle.
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors Locations
If several obstacles are detected, the ParkSense
system indicates the nearest obstacle.
The minimum height of a detectable obstacle
corresponds to the maximum height of an obstacle
that would clear the underside of the vehicle
during the parking maneuver.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 62

STARTING AND OPERATING65
If it’s necessary to keep the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly mounted for a long period, it is
possible to filter out the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly presence in the sensor field of view. The
filtering operation must be performed only by an
authorized dealer.
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
Your vehicle is equipped with the ParkView Rear
Back Up Camera that allows you to see an
on-screen image of the rear surroundings of your
vehicle whenever the gear selector is put into
REVERSE. The image will be displayed on the
touchscreen display along with a caution note to “Check Entire Surroundings” across the top of the
screen. After five seconds this note will disappear.
The ParkView camera is located on the rear of the
vehicle above the rear license plate.
The Rear Back Up Camera can also be activated
when the vehicle is not in REVERSE through the
Uconnect system Ú
page 79.
NOTE:If one of the rear cargo doors is not completely
closed, the Back Up Camera cannot provide an
accurate image of the area behind the vehicle. A
dedicated message will appear on the Uconnect
display indicating the camera is not in the correct
position.
The Camera Delay setting can be set to on/off in
the rear camera settings menu. When the vehicle
is shifted out of REVERSE and the Camera Delay is
turned off, the rear camera mode is exited and the
navigation or audio screen appears on display
again.
When the transmission is shifted out of REVERSE,
and Camera Delay is activated in the menu screen,
the camera image will continue to be displayed for
up to 10 seconds, unless the speed of the vehicle
is greater than 8 mph (13 km/h), the transmission
is in PARK, or the ignition is placed in the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position. When displayed, static grid lines will illustrate the
width of the vehicle and will show separate zones
that will help indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle. The following table shows the
approximate distances for each zone:
CAUTION!
ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small obstacles. Parking curbs might be
temporarily detected or not detected at all.
Obstacles located above or below the sensors
will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when using
ParkSense in order to be able to stop in time
when an obstacle is detected. It is recom
-
mended that the driver looks over his/her
shoulder when using ParkSense.
Zone Distance To The Rear
Of The Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 3 ft (30 cm - 1 m)
Green 3 ft or greater
(1 m or greater)
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, obstructions, or blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for the safety of
your surroundings and must continue to pay
attention while backing up. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
4
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 65

66STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance builds
up on the camera lens, clean the lens, rinse with
water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not cover the
lens.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE
The gas cap is located on the left side of the
vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
to use the correct replacement cap for this vehicle
1. Open the fuel filler door.
2. Remove the fuel cap by rotating it counter -
clockwise.
Fuel Filler Cap
NOTE:The driver's side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates
only when the sliding door is in a closed position
prior to opening the fuel door.
3. Fully insert the gasoline nozzle into the filler
pipe.
4. Fill the vehicle with fuel.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
the fuel tank is full.
Wait five seconds before removing the fuel
nozzle to allow excess fuel to drain from the
nozzle.
5. Remove gasoline nozzle, reinstall fuel cap and close fuel filler door.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, ParkView should
only be used as a parking aid. The ParkView
camera is unable to view every obstacle or
object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be
driven slowly when using ParkView to be able
to stop in time when an obstacle is seen. It is
recommended that the driver look frequently
over his/her shoulder when using ParkView.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.
You could be burned. Always place gas
containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap. A poorly
fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel
system and may cause the Malfunction Indi -
cator Light (MIL) to turn on, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66