198SAFETY
PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD
M
AKE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the lug nuts/bolt torque for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel or brake fluid leaks are
suspected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system. Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have an authorized dealer inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle
is stopped in an open area with the engine running
for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation
system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte -
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every
time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal condi -
tions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all
side windows fully open.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 198
208IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit
Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s
Hazard Warning Flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the
ground. This will allow the Tire Service Kit Hose to
reach the valve stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat
on the ground. This will provide the best positioning of
the kit when injecting the sealant into the deflated
tire and running the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in this position
before proceeding.
3. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button to set the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Apply the parking brake.
Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
2. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire. 3. Remove the cap from the valve stem and
then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant
Hose onto the valve stem.
4. Uncoil the Power Plug and insert the plug
into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) from
the tire.
Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The Deflated Tire:
5. Always start the vehicle before turning the
Tire Service Kit on.
6. Ensure the Mode Select Knob is to the
Sealant Mode position.
7. After pushing the Power Button, the sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle
through the Sealant Hose and into the tire.
NOTE:Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the tire. If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within
0 – 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose:
1. Push the Power Button to turn the Tire Service Kit
off. Disconnect the Sealant Hose from the valve
stem. Make sure the valve stem is free of debris.
Reconnect the Sealant Hose to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob is in the Sealant
Mode position and not Air Mode. Push the Power
Button to turn the Tire Service Kit on.
2. Connect the Power Plug to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the vehicle is running before turning the
Tire Service Kit on.
3. The Sealant Bottle may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the Sealant
Hose: 4. Continue to operate the pump until sealant
is no longer flowing through hose (typically
takes 30 - 70 seconds). As the sealant flows
through the Sealant Hose, the Pressure Gauge
can read as high as 70 psi (4.8 bar). The Pressure Gauge
will decrease quickly from approximately 70 psi (4.8 bar)
to the actual tire pressure when the Sealant Bottle is
empty.
5. The pump will start to inject air into the tire
immediately after the Sealant Bottle is empty.
Continue to operate the pump and inflate the
tire to the cold tire inflation pressure found on
the tire and loading information label located in the
driver-side door opening. Check the tire pressure by
looking at the Pressure Gauge.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 208
214IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(B) SETTING UP TO USE TIRE SERVICE KIT:
1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (6) and turn to the
Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (4) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (4) onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) from
the tire.
(C) INJECTING TIRE SERVICE KIT SEALANT
INTO THE DEFLATED TIRE:
Always start the engine before turning ON the Tire
Service Kit.
NOTE:Manual transmission vehicles must have the parking
brake engaged and the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (3), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (4) and into the tire.
NOTE:Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0 – 10
seconds through the Sealant Hose :
1. Push the Power Button (3) to turn Off the Tire
Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (4) from
the valve stem. Make sure the valve stem is free of
debris. Reconnect the Sealant Hose (4) to the valve
stem. Check that the Mode Select Knob (6) is in the
Sealant Mode position and not Air Mode. Push the
Power Button (3) to turn On the Tire Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (7) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if
available. Make sure the engine is running before
turning ON the Tire Service Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE:If the Mode Select Knob (6) is on Air Mode and the pump
is operating, air will dispense from the Air Pump Hose (8)
only, not the Sealant Hose (4). If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the Sealant
Hose :
1. Continue to operate the pump until sealant is no
longer flowing through the hose (typically takes
30 - 70 seconds). As the sealant flows through the
Sealant Hose (4), the Pressure Gauge (5) can read
as high as 70 psi (4.8 Bar). The Pressure Gauge (5)
will decrease quickly from approximately 70 psi
(4.8 Bar) to the actual tire pressure when the
Sealant Bottle (1) is empty.
2. The pump will start to inject air into the tire immediately after the Sealant Bottle (1) is empty.
Continue to operate the pump and inflate the tire to
the pressure indicated on the tire pressure label on
the driver-side latch pillar (recommended pressure).
Check the tire pressure by looking at the Pressure
Gauge (5).
If the tire does not inflate to at least 26 psi (1.8 Bar)
pressure within 15 minutes:
The tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle further. Call for assistance.NOTE:If the tire becomes overinflated, push the Deflation Button
(2) to reduce the tire pressure to the recommended
inflation pressure before continuing.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 214
223
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
3.6L AND 5.7L ENGINES
These engines are equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for the vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, and extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Change
Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
The “Oil Change Required” message will be displayed in
the instrument cluster and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.
The 350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only
a concern for fleet customers.Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering (if equipped) and
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 223
230SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING OIL LEVELTo ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about ten minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN
and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at the low end
of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply some
washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe the wiper blades
clean. This will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 Gallon (4 Liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the instrument cluster.WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine compart -
ment: gas and flammable vapors may be present,
with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine compart -
ment when the engine is hot: you may get burned. Do
not get too close to the radiator cooling fan: the elec -
tric fan may start; danger of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!
Be careful not to confuse the various types of fluids
while topping up: they are not compatible with each
other! Topping up with an unsuitable fluid could
severely damage your car.
The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
Always top up using engine oil of the same specifica -
tions as what is already in the engine.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler cap,
particularly for vehicles with aluminum caps (if
equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents are
flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the washer
solution.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 230
238SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Coolant Checks
Check 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
radiator 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 coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is needed
to be added to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to
MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 224.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Úpage 278.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than speci-
fied Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant,
may result in engine damage and may decrease corro -
sion protection. OAT engine coolant is different and
should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Tech -
nology (HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is introduced
into the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling
system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors
or antirust products, as they may not be compatible
with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radi -
ator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not recom -
mended.
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact an
authorized dealer.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) that
allows extended maintenance intervals. This engine
coolant (antifreeze) can be used up to 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) before replacement. To
prevent reducing this extended maintenance period, it is
important to use the same engine coolant (OAT coolant
conforming to MS.90032) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant that meets the
requirements of the manufacturer Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant
10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032.
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of the manufacturer
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled water.
Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are anticipated.
Please contact an authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 238
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE239
(Continued)
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could
lead to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system, please contact an
authorized dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recommended and
can result in cooling system damage. If HOAT and OAT
coolant are mixed in an emergency, have an authorized
dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant expansion
bottle/recovery tank (if equipped).
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a
regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in
open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground: clean up any ground spills immediately. If
ingested, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant freeze point or replacing engine coolant.
Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle
need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilometers
of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating
on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter
the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant needs
to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are required, the
cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a minimum
of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and
distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over -
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci -
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
WARNING!
8
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 239
240SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically
Úpage 224.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately if
the Brake System Warning Light indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the requirements
described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc brakes,
fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed. Use only brake fluid that has been recommended by the
manufacturer, and has been kept in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture
Úpage 278.
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM — MANUAL
T
RANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated volume
of fluid within the brake system master cylinder reservoir.
In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer's recommended brake fluid
Úpage 278.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug on the left
side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
1/4 inch (6.4mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level
Úpage 278.
Change Transmission Fluid
If contaminated with water, change the fluid immediately.
See an authorized dealer for service.
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 224.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the
brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
WARNING!
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid Úpage 278. Using the wrong type of brake fluid can
severely damage your brake system and/or impair its
performance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois -
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause
it to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
damage to the transmission
Úpage 278.
23_LA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240