
112STARTING AND OPERATING
GUIDELINES FOR TRACK USE
NOTE:The standard Black Brembo Brake Pads are not
recommended for track use. Only the Red Brembo
Performance SRT brake pads are appropriate for
track use.
If your vehicle is equipped with Drive Modes,
they will alter the vehicle’s performance in
various driving situations. It is recommended
that your vehicle operates in SPORT or TRACK
modes during the track event.
Prior to each track event, verify all fluids are at
the correct levels.
Prior to each track event, verify the front and
rear brake pads have more than half pad thick -
ness remaining. If the brake pads require
changing, complete a brake burnish procedure
prior to track outing at full pace.
NOTE:Use of DOT 4 brake fluid is suggested for extended
track usage due to increased thermal capacity.
At the conclusion of each track event, it is
recommended that a brake bleed procedure is
performed to maintain the pedal feel and stop -
ping capability of your Brembo High Perfor -
mance brake system.
It is recommended that each track outing
should end with a minimum of one cooldown lap
using minimal braking.
It is recommended to check oil temperature
after each track session. If the oil is still above
225°F (107°C), do another cooldown lap if
possible, or keep the engine running and let idle
until below 225°F (107°C), in order to prevent
heat soaking of the engine. Ensure temperature
is reducing and do not leave vehicle gauges
unattended while idling just after a track
session.
It is recommended that the suspension system,
brake system, prop shaft, and half shaft boots
be checked for wear or damage after every track
event.
Track usage results in increased operating
temperatures of the engine, transmission, drive -
line and brake system. This may affect Noise
Vibration Harshness (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components
may need to be installed to return the system to
the original NVH performance.
Tire pressure:
Recommended tire pressure of 33 psi
(230 kPa) when tires are cold, or below
42 psi (290 kPa) when hot.
NOTE:It is recommended that you target below 42 psi
(290 kPa) when tires are hot at the conclusion of
each track session. Starting at 33 psi (230 kPa)
cold and adjusting based on ambient and track
conditions is recommended. Tire pressure can be
monitored via the instrument cluster display and
can assist with adjustments.
Track burnishing your brakes
To avoid “green lining fade” during track use, the
brake pads and rotors must have a thermal
burnish for factory-installed components or when
new brake friction components are installed:
1. Use one track session to burnish brakes by driving at 75% speed. Brake at approximately
0.60 - 0.80g max without Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) intervention.
2. Complete one lap in this manner until you start smelling the brakes. Continue for another half
lap at speed, then complete a two lap
cooldown with minimal brake applications.
Ensure the brakes are not smoking. If they are,
complete another cooldown lap.
3. Getting the brakes to smoke is an indication that the brakes have overheated and may
negatively affect future track usage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING113
4. Allow vehicle to sit and cool for at least 30 minutes. If an infrared thermal gun is
available, allow rotors to cool to 200°F
(93.3°C) before returning to the track.
5. There should be a thin layer of ash when inspecting the brake pads. Having the ash
layer go more than half the thickness of the
pad material is a sign of an overly aggressive
burnish.
6. Occasionally, a second burnish session is required. If the brake pads begin to emit an
odor during the next track session, reduce
vehicle speed and braking deceleration rate to
burnish targets and follow steps 2-4.
7. New brake pads installed on old rotors require a burnish. New rotors installed with old brake
pads should be burnished at the track or
driven for 300 miles (485 km) of city driving to
develop an adequate lining transfer layer on
the rotor surface prior to track use.
8. Rotors that pulsate during track use should be replaced.
NOTE:Resurfacing of the rotors is not recommended, as
it removes mass from the rotor, reducing its
thermal capacity. Resurfacing also thins the rotor
cheek, making it less robust and increasing the
likelihood of pulsation in further track use.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY —
IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The system
is automatic with no driver inputs.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions and adjusts
accordingly. Alternate electric power steering efforts can be
selected through the Uconnect System
Ú
page 153.
If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “Service Power Steering” or the
“Power Steering Assist Off – Service System”
message is displayed within the instrument cluster
display, this indicates the vehicle needs to be
taken to the dealer for service Ú page 88.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “Power
Steering System Over Temp” message is displayed
on the instrument cluster screen, this indicates an
over temperature condition in the power steering
system. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over
and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the
icon and message turn off.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
4
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250SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the Maintenance Plans for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions. Replace engine air cleaner filter, if necessary.
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268SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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 neces-
sary, 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. For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 250.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced, or
immediately if the Brake System Warning Light is
on. If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top
of the master cylinder area before removing cap.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be
checked when pads are replaced. If the brake fluid
is abnormally low, check the system for leaks. For
further information Ú page 307.
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 the manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid Úpage 307. 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
moisture, 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 an 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 contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING!
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE295
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum
and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned
regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water to
maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.
Wash wheels with the same soap solution
recommended for the body of the vehicle and
remember to always wash when the surfaces are
not hot to the touch. Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road
chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on dirt
roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to
wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh chemicals or
a stiff brush. They can damage the wheel’s
protective coating that helps keep them from
corroding and tarnishing.
When cleaning extremely dirty wheels including
excessive brake dust, care must be taken in the
selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemicals and
equipment to prevent damage to the wheels.
Mopar® Wheel Treatment or Mopar® Chrome
Cleaner or their equivalent is recommended or
select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner for
aluminum or chrome wheels.
NOTE:If you intend parking or storing your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels with
wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle and apply the
brakes to remove the water droplets from the
brake components. This activity will remove the
red rust on the brake rotors and prevent vehicle
vibration when braking.
Dark Vapor Chrome, Black Satin Chrome, or Low
Gloss Clear Coat Wheels
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only.
Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive
more than the speed listed on the limited use
spare wheel. Keep inflated to the cold tire
inflation pressures listed on your Tire And
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the
driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the original
equipment tire at the first opportunity and
reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could
result in loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes that use
acidic solutions or strong alkaline additives or
harsh brushes. Many aftermarket wheel
cleaners and automatic car washes may
damage the wheel's protective finish. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap, Mopar®
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is recommended.
CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle
brush, metal polishes or oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel's protective
finish. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap,
Mopar® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent is
recommended.
CAUTION!
If your vehicle is equipped with these specialty
wheels, DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives, or
polishing compounds. They will permanently
damage this finish and such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
HAND WASH ONLY USING MILD SOAP AND WATER
WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this
is all that is required to maintain this finish.
8
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