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.
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 226
230SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a Hydrofluo -
rocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air
conditioning service be performed by authorized
dealer or other service facilities using recovery and
recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only the manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter
Refer to the Maintenance Plan in this chapter for
the proper maintenance intervals Ú page 222.The cabin air filter is located in the fresh air inlet in
the engine compartment. Perform the following
procedure to replace the filter:
1. Remove the two screws that secure the filter
retainer to the fresh air inlet, and remove the
filter retainer.
Accessing Air Filter
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi -
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, for further warranty
information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines
to be disconnected should be done by an
experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in the
ACC or ON/RUN position. With the cabin air filter
removed and the blower operating, the blower
can contact hands and may propel dirt and
debris into your eyes, resulting in personal injury.
1 — Screw Locations
2 — Fresh Air Inlet
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE235
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 corro -
sion 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 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 Ú page 222.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood service
or immediately if the Brake System Warning Light
indicates system failure. 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 the fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake linings
wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted Ú page 273.
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 recommended
brake fluid Úpage 273. 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 contami -
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
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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
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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
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