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
196SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Synthetic Engine Oils
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils,
only use synthetic API approved engine oils.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the
engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE
viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
the addition of any additives (other than leak
detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine
oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil
filters, indiscriminately discarded, can present a
problem to the environment. Contact an
authorized dealer, service station or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil and
oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new
filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
A full-flow type disposable oil filter should be used
for replacement. The quality of replacement filters
varies considerably. Only high quality Mopar®
certified filters should be used.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
For the proper maintenance intervals Úpage 190.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the Severe Duty Conditions main -
tenance interval if applicable Ú page 189.Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified
filters should be used.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This
service should include cleaning of the condenser
fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension
should also be checked at this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as
the chemicals can damage your engine. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in the
case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless
such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle
with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri
-
cants approved by FCA for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants
are flammable and can explode, injuring you.
Other unapproved refrigerants or lubricants
can cause the system to fail, requiring costly
repairs. Refer to Warranty Information Book,
for further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines
to be disconnected should be done by an
experienced technician.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 196
250 Park
...................................................... 24, 49Passing........................................................ 24Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 46Service...................................................... 213Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............... 135Traction Control......................................... 133Turn Signals....................................... 49, 170Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 46, 49Loading Vehicle........................................ 67, 68Capacities................................................... 68Tires.......................................................... 221LocksPower Door.................................................. 13Low Tire Pressure System............................. 135Lubrication, Body........................................... 197Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 236
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................. 194Maintenance Schedule.................................. 189
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).. 48, 51
ManualService...................................................... 245Master CylinderBrakes....................................................... 202Methanol....................................................... 238
Mirrors............................................................. 22Electric Powered.......................................... 23Electric Remote........................................... 23Exterior Folding............................................ 23Heated......................................................... 23Outside........................................................ 22Rearview...................................................... 22Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 7Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 135Mopar Parts.................................................. 244
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 54
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 137Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 237, 240Oil Change Indicator........................................ 41Reset........................................................... 41Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 196Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 196Oil Pressure Light............................................. 46Oil Reset.......................................................... 41Oil, Engine............................................ 195, 240Capacity.................................................... 240Checking................................................... 194Dipstick.................................................... 194
Disposal.................................................... 196Filter................................................ 196, 240Filter Disposal........................................... 196Identification Logo.................................... 195Materials Added To................................... 196Pressure Warning Light................................46Recommendation............................ 195, 240Synthetic................................................... 196Viscosity.................................................... 240Onboard Diagnostic System.............................50Operating Precautions.....................................50Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 245Outside Rearview Mirrors.................................22Overheating, Engine...................................... 183
P
Paint Care..................................................... 233Parking Brake..................................................54ParkSense System, Rear..................................62Passing Light....................................................24Personal Settings.............................................79Pets............................................................... 168Phone Mode.................................................. 100Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 221PowerMirrors.........................................................23Steering.......................................................60Windows......................................................34
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