
5
SAFETY TIPS .................................................................... 199Transporting Passengers .......................................... 199
Transporting Pets ................................................... 199
Connected Vehicles .................................................. 199
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................................ 199
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................................................. 201
Exhaust Gas .............................................................. 201Carbon Monoxide Warnings .................................... 201
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS .................................. 202
ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED .................. 202
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING — IF EQUIPPED .......... 205 Preparations For Jacking ......................................... 205Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage ......................... 206Jacking Instructions .................................................. 207
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ................................. 209 Tire Service Kit Storage ............................................ 209
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation ........... 210Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .......................... 210Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .......................... 211
JUMP STARTING .............................................................. 213 Preparations For Jump Start .................................... 214
Jump Starting Procedure .......................................... 214
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY .......................................... 215
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ....................................... 216 MANUAL PARK RELEASE–8–SPEED
TRANSMISSION................................................................ 216
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .......................................... 218
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...................................... 219 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models — If Equipped ......... 220
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Models ............................ 220Without The Key Fob ................................................ 220
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ............................................................... 220
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ..................................... 220
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................................ 221 3.6L And 5.7L Engines ............................................ 221
ENGINE COMPARTMENT ............................................... 225 3.6L Engine ............................................................... 2255.7L Engine .............................................................. 226
Checking Oil Level .................................................... 227
Adding Washer Fluid ................................................ 227
Maintenance-Free Battery ...................................... 228
Pressure Washing ..................................................... 228
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ................................................. 228 Engine Oil ................................................................. 228Engine Oil Filter ........................................................ 229Engine Air Cleaner Filter ........................................ 229
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................................ 230
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection............................... 231 Body Lubrication........................................................ 231
Windshield Wiper Blades .......................................... 232
Exhaust System ......................................................... 233
Cooling System ......................................................... 234
Brake System ........................................................... 236
Automatic Transmission ........................................... 237
Rear Axle .................................................................... 237
Fuses .......................................................................... 238Bulb Replacement .................................................... 246
TIRES ..................................................................................248 Tire Safety Information ............................................. 248
Tires — General Information .................................... 255
Tire Types ................................................................... 258Spare Tires — If Equipped ......................................... 259
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..................................... 260
Snow Traction Devices ............................................. 262
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............................. 263
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ................................................... 263 Treadwear .................................................................. 263
Traction Grades ......................................................... 264
Temperature Grades ................................................. 264
STORING THE VEHICLE ....................................................264
BODYWORK ......................................................................264 Protection From Atmospheric Agents ...................... 264
Body And Underbody Maintenance.......................... 265
Preserving The Bodywork ......................................... 265
INTERIORS ........................................................................ 265 Seats And Fabric Parts.............................................. 265Plastic And Coated Parts .......................................... 266
Leather Surfaces ....................................................... 266
Glass Surfaces .......................................................... 266
23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

SAFETY185
Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag
Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver
and front passenger air bags. This system provides output
appropriate to the severity and type of collision as
determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC),
which may receive information from the front impact
sensors (if equipped) or other system components.
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires air bag deployment. A low energy
output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy
output is used for more severe collisions.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front
passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether
the driver or front passenger seat belt is buckled. The seat
belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the
Advanced Front Air Bags.
This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front
passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the
inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon
seat position.
Front Air Bag Operation
Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional
protection by supplementing the seat belts. Front air bags
are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side,
or rollover collisions. The front air bags will not deploy in all
frontal collisions, including some that may produce
substantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole
collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of
impact, front air bags may deploy in crashes with little
vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial
deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all
collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in
position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detects a
collision requiring the front air bags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to
inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
passenger side of the instrument panel separate and fold
out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The
front air bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink
your eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front
seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child
restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have
a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child
restraint in that vehicle.
WARNING!WARNING!
No objects should be placed over or near the air bag
on the instrument panel or steering wheel because
any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in
a collision severe enough to cause the air bag to
inflate.
Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers
or attempt to open them manually. You may damage
the air bags and you could be injured because the air
bags may no longer be functional. The protective
covers for the air bag cushions are designed to open
only when the air bags are inflating.
Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with
your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some colli -
sions, air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your
seat belts even though you have air bags.
6
23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 185

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE227
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 gal (4 L) 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 that 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.
8
23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 227

228SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
Water will never have to be added, and periodic
maintenance is not required.
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in the trunk.
Remote battery terminals are located in the engine
compartment for jump starting
Úpage 213.
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high pressure
washer is not recommended.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel,
special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which include detailed
service information for your vehicle. Refer to these Service
Manuals before attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control systems may
void your warranty and could result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
ENGINE OIL
Engine Oil Selection — 3.6L/5.7L Engines
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluids Úpage 271.
NOTE:Hemi engines at times can tick right after startup and then
quiet down after approximately 30 seconds. This is normal
and will not harm the engine. This characteristic can be
caused by short drive cycles. For example, if the vehicle is
started then shut off after driving a short distance. Upon
restarting, you may experience a ticking sound. Other
causes could be if the vehicle is unused for an extended
period of time, incorrect oil, extended oil changes or
extended idling. If the engine continues to tick or if the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on, see the
nearest authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn
or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over
a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with large
amounts of water
Úpage 213.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an
output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the posi -
tive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal
posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Precautions have been taken to safeguard all parts and
connections however, the pressures generated by these
machines is such that complete protection against
water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Only do service work for which you have the
knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 228

236SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant freeze point or
replacing 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, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of manufacturer Material Standard
MS.90032 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.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically
Úpage 221.
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.
For further information
Úpage 271.
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 271. 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.
23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 236