
242SAFETY  
(Continued)
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 nut/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.
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the 
driver’s side floor area. To check for interfer -
ence, with the vehicle properly parked with the 
engine off, fully depress the accelerator, the 
brake, and the clutch pedal (if present) to 
check for interference. If your floor mat inter -
feres with the operation of any pedal, or is not 
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat from 
the vehicle and place the floor mat in your 
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on 
the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide 
into the driver’s side floor area when the 
vehicle is moving. Objects can become 
trapped under accelerator, brake, or clutch 
pedals and could cause a loss of vehicle 
control.
WARNING!
NEVER place any objects under the floor mat 
(e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These objects could 
change the position of the floor mat and may 
cause interference with the accelerator, 
brake, or clutch pedals.
If the vehicle carpet has been removed and 
re-installed, always properly attach carpet to 
the floor and check the floor mat fasteners are 
secure to the vehicle carpet. Fully depress 
each pedal to check for interference with the 
accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals then 
re-install the floor mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap and 
water to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, 
always check your floor mat has been properly 
installed and is secured to your vehicle using 
the floor mat fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING!
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 242   

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY261
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior  to putting back in the spare tire storage area.
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 your engine by taking 
the appropriate action.
On highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine 
idle speed.
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.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or 
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open or 
the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running. 
This is in violation of most state and federal 
fire regulations and may cause the Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light to turn on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a 
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. 
You could be burned. Always place fuel 
containers on the ground while filling.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage 
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“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 the “H” and you hear 
continuous chimes, turn the engine off 
immediately and call for service.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.
7
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 261   

267
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING 
Your vehicle is 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 in the 
instrument cluster. This means that service is 
required for your 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).An authorized dealer will reset the oil change 
indicator message after completing the scheduled 
oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed 
by someone other than an authorized dealer, the 
message can be reset by referring to the steps 
described under Instrument Cluster Display  
Ú
page 77.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change 
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), one 
year 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.
NOTE:The Oil Change Indicator will not illuminate under 
these conditions. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for 
unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first 
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 
the oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, 
and brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill as 
needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 267   

270SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Replace spark plugs.
1X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) 
whichever comes first. X
X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if 
necessary. X
1. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only; yearly intervals do not apply.
Mileage or time passed 
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. 
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance. 
This could cause an accident.
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 270   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE271
ENGINE COMPARTMENT  
2.4L ENGINE
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter 6 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Fill 7 — Coolant Pressure Bottle Cap
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap 8 — Secondary Battery
4 — Battery 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
8
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE279
(Continued)
(Continued)
In addition, have the exhaust system inspected 
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil 
change. Replace as required.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic 
converter will not require maintenance. However, it 
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to 
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent 
possible catalyst damage.
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 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
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain 
Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is colorless and 
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon -
scious and can eventually poison you  
Ú page 240.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you 
park over materials that can burn, such mate -
rials might be grass or leaves, and those items 
that come into contact with your exhaust 
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in 
areas where your exhaust system can contact 
anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of 
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will 
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an 
emissions control device and may seriously 
reduce engine performance and cause 
serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if 
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating 
condition. In the event of engine malfunction, 
particularly involving engine misfire or other 
apparent loss of performance, have your 
vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction 
could cause the converter to overheat, 
resulting in possible damage to the converter 
and vehicle.
CAUTION!
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.
8
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280SERVICING 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 or 
rusty in appearance, the system should be 
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh engine 
coolant. 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.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill 
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 OAT coolant 
(conforming to MS.90032). Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the proper 
maintenance intervals  Ú
page 268.
Selection Of Coolant 
For further information  Ú page 323.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than 
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) 
engine coolant, may result in engine damage 
and may decrease corrosion protection. OAT 
engine coolant is different and should not be 
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology 
(HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is 
introduced into the cooling system in an emer -
gency, the cooling system will need to be 
drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT 
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho -
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine 
coolant products. Do not use additional rust 
inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they may not 
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant 
and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with 
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of 
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not 
recommended.
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 that you use the same engine coolant 
(OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032) throughout 
the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using 
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.
When working near the radiator cooling fan, 
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni
-
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature 
controlled and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
WARNING!
22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 280   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE281
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.
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 recom -
mended and can result in cooling system 
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in 
an emergency, have a 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. 
If ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency 
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground spills 
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick 
visual method for determining that the coolant 
level is adequate. With the engine off and cold, the 
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle 
should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
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.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never 
add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the 
engine is overheated. 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 
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or 
engine damage may result.
8
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