226SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To 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 five 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 fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer
solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out any residual
water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of
fluid when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and flammable vapors may
be present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may
get burned. Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric 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
specifications 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!
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.
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256SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(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 prob
-
lems. 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.
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283
INDEX
A
Active Driving Assist....................................... 100Active Speed Limiter........................................ 86Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 87Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 233Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 226Additives, Fuel............................................... 271Air Bag........................................................... 179Air Bag Operation...................................... 180Air Bag Warning Light................................ 178Enhanced Accident Response...................220Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 220If Deployment Occurs................................ 183Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 184Maintenance............................................. 184Side Air Bags............................................. 180Transporting Pets...................................... 190Air Bag Light..................................65, 178, 190Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 228, 229Air Conditioner Maintenance......................... 229Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 229, 230Air Conditioner System.................................. 229Air Conditioning Filter............................. 43, 230Air Conditioning, Operating Tips................ 43, 44
Air Filter........................................................ 228Air PressureTires......................................................... 256AlarmSecurity Alarm...................................... 20, 68Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 233, 273Disposal................................................... 234Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 152Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 68Assist, Hill Start............................................. 155Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 133Auto Down Power Windows............................. 49Auto Up Power Windows.................................. 49Automatic Door Locks...................................... 23Automatic Headlights....................................... 34Automatic High Beams.................................... 34Automatic Transmission.........................81, 236Adding Fluid.............................................. 236Fluid And Filter Change............................ 236Fluid Change............................................ 236Fluid Level Check..................................... 236
Fluid Type........................................ 236, 274Special Additives...................................... 236AUX Cord..........................................................45Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 158
B
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
S
............53Battery................................................... 66, 227Charging System Light.................................66Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................14Belts, Seat.................................................... 190Blind Spot Monitoring................................... 158Body Builders Guide........................................... 8Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 231B-Pillar Location............................................ 253Brake Assist System..................................... 153Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 153Brake Fluid........................................... 235, 274Brake System....................................... 235, 269Anti-Lock (ABS)......................................... 152Fluid Check............................................... 235Master Cylinder........................................ 235Parking........................................................78Warning Light...............................................6611
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284 Brake/Transmission Interlock
......................... 81Bulb Replacement......................................... 244Bulbs, Light.......................................... 191, 244
C
Camera, Rear...................................... 119, 120Capacities, Fluid............................................ 273Caps, Filler Fuel........................................................... 122Oil (Engine)................................................ 225Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 234Car Washes................................................... 266Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 192Cargo Area Cover............................................. 51Cargo Compartment........................................ 51Cargo Light...................................................... 36Cellular Phone............................................... 151Certification Label......................................... 123Change Engine Oil — If Equipped
S
.............. 57Change Oil Indicator........................................ 57Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 196Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 250Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................ 74Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 189Checks, Safety............................................... 189Child Restraint............................................... 185
Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 187Child Seat Installation.............................. 189Infant And Child Restraints....................... 186Older Children And Child Restraints......... 187Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 271CleaningWheels..................................................... 262Climate Control................................................ 40Manual........................................................ 40Rear............................................................. 43Cold Weather Operation.................................. 76Compact Spare Tire...................................... 260Contract, Service.......................................... 277Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 234Cooling System............................................. 233Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 233Coolant Level................................... 233, 234Cooling Capacity....................................... 273Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 234Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 233Inspection................................................. 234Points To Remember................................ 234Pressure Cap............................................ 234Radiator Cap............................................ 234Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 233, 273Corrosion Protection..................................... 265Cruise Control (Speed Control)................. 87, 88
Cruise Light......................................................72Customer Assistance.................................... 275Customer Programmable Features............... 134Cybersecurity................................................ 133
D
Dealer Service............................................... 227Defroster, Windshield................................... 190Diagnostic System, Onboard............................74Dimmer Control Switch....................................37Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................34DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 236Oil (Engine)............................................... 226Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 219DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 234Door Ajar..........................................................66Door Ajar Light.................................................66Door Locks.......................................................21Automatic....................................................23Doors...............................................................21Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................23DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................................... 131Drowsy Driver Detection................................ 157
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 284
287
Lights
............................................................. 191Air Bag.......................................65, 178, 190Brake Assist Warning................................ 155Brake Warning............................................ 66Bulb Replacement..................................... 244Collision Warning................................. 70, 72Cruise.......................................................... 72Daytime Running......................................... 33Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................... 33, 34Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator.................................. 67, 69, 155Exterior............................................... 33, 191Fuel Cutoff Failure....................................... 72Hazard Warning Flasher............................ 193Headlights................................................... 33High Beam.................................................. 34Illuminated Entry......................................... 38Instrument Cluster...................................... 67Interior........................................................ 36Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)......... 69Park...................................................... 34, 73Passing........................................................ 34Rear Cargo Door Open Warning Light.......... 68Seat Belt Reminder..................................... 68Security Alarm............................................. 68Service...................................................... 244Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............... 168Tow Haul..................................................... 72
TowingHookBreakdown............................... 71Traction Control........................................ 155Turn Signals.......................................33, 191Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions.... 67Loading Vehicle................................... 123, 124Capacities................................................. 124Tires......................................................... 253LocksAutomatic Door..................................... 21, 23Low Tire Pressure System............................. 168Lubrication, Body.......................................... 231Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 269
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................ 227Maintenance Schedule................................. 221Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 69ManualService..................................................... 279Methanol...................................................... 271Mirrors............................................................. 30Electric Remote........................................... 32Exterior Folding............................................ 31Heated......................................................... 33Outside........................................................ 31Rearview.............................................30, 193Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 8Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 168Mopar Parts.................................................. 278
MP3 Control.....................................................45Multi-Function Control Lever............................33
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................78
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 170Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)...................... 270Oil Change Indicator.........................................57Reset...........................................................57Oil Filter, Change........................................... 228Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 228Oil Pressure Light.............................................68Oil, Engine............................................ 228, 273Capacity.................................................... 273Checking................................................... 226Dipstick..................................................... 226Disposal.................................................... 228Filter......................................................... 228Filter Disposal........................................... 228Identification Logo.................................... 228Materials Added To................................... 228Pressure Warning Light................................68Recommendation............................ 228, 273Synthetic................................................... 228Viscosity.................................................... 273Onboard Diagnostic System.............................74Operating Precautions.....................................74
11
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