30GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Mode Control
Rotate this control to change the airflow
distribution mode. The airflow
distribution mode can be adjusted so air
comes from the instrument panel
outlets, floor outlets, defrost outlets and demist
outlets. The Mode settings are as follows:
Panel Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the
instrument panel. Each of these outlets
can be individually adjusted to direct the
flow of air. The air vanes of the center
outlets and outboard outlets can be moved up and
down or side to side to regulate airflow direction.
There is a shut-off wheel located below the air
vanes to shut off or adjust the amount of airflow
from these outlets.
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel
outlets and floor outlets. A slight amount
of air is directed through the defrost and
side window demister outlets.
NOTE:Bi-Level mode is designed under comfort condi -
tions to provide cooler air out of the panel outlets
and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight
amount of air is directed through the
defrost and side window demister
outlets.
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost,
and side window demister outlets. This
setting works best in cold or snowy
conditions that require extra heat to the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.
OPERATING TIPS
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with
a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper
corrosion protection and to protect against engine
overheating. OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) is recommended Ú page 240.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, make sure the engine cooling
system is functioning properly and the proper
amount, type, and concentration of coolant is used
Úpage 240. Use of the Air Recirculation mode
during Winter months is not recommended
because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
For information on maintaining the Climate Control
system when the vehicle is being stored for an
extended period of time, see Ú page 233.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the
glass in mild, rainy and/or humid weather. To clear
the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode and
increase the front blower speed. Do not use the
Recirculation mode without A/C for long periods,
as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of
the windshield, is free of obstructions, such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air intake may
reduce airflow, and if they enter the air distribution
box, they could plug the water drains. In Winter
months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 30
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
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY183
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the jumper
cable from the engine ground of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the
booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the booster
battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the
vehicle with the discharged battery, and
reinstall the protective cap.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough without
engine operation, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
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 try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
7
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 183
186IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
NOTE:Push the ESC OFF button, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Off mode,
before rocking the vehicle Ú page 132. Once the
vehicle has been freed, push the ESC OFF button
again to restore ESC On mode.CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission
failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and
tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when
you are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too
fast may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin
the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in
gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 186
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
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 199
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE225
(Continued)
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of
sluggish response or over responsiveness in the
steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption. Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable
ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and
uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on
the driver's side B-pillar or rear edge of the driver's
side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgment when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated
even when they are under inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and can
result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes
can cause damage that result in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to
drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
8
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 225
248 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
...................132Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........ 46Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck...................... 185Jacking...................................................... 171Jump Starting............................................ 181Towing....................................................... 187Emission Control System Maintenance........... 51Engine........................................................... 193Air Cleaner................................................. 196Block Heater............................................... 53Break-In Recommendations........................ 54Checking Oil Level..................................... 194Coolant (Antifreeze)................................... 240Cooling...................................................... 199Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 170Fails To Start............................................... 53Flooded, Starting......................................... 53Jump Starting............................................ 181Oil.................................................... 195, 240Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 193Oil Filter..................................................... 196Oil Selection.................................... 195, 240Oil Synthetic.............................................. 196Overheating............................................... 183Starting....................................................... 52
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...150, 188
Ethanol......................................................... 238Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 170Exhaust System................................... 170, 198Exterior Lights.........................................24, 170
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 196Air Conditioning........................................... 31Engine Oil........................................ 196, 240Engine Oil Disposal................................... 196FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 171Turn Signals.......................................49, 170Flooded Engine Starting................................... 53Fluid Capacities............................................ 240Fluid Leaks................................................... 170Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 202Engine Oil................................................. 194Power Steering............................................ 60Fluid, Brake.................................................. 241Fog Lights........................................................ 25Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 16Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 171Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 185
Fuel............................................................... 237Additives................................................... 239Clean Air................................................... 238Ethanol..................................................... 238Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................................66Gasoline................................................... 237Materials Added....................................... 239Methanol.................................................. 238Octane Rating.................................. 237, 240Specifications........................................... 240Tank Capacity........................................... 240Fuses............................................................ 207
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)..................................66Gasoline, (Fuel)............................................. 237Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 238Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 238Gear Ranges....................................................57Gear Selector Override.................................. 184Glass Cleaning.............................................. 235Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 67, 68Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................67, 68GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................67
22_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 248
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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