SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE259
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as
little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires
from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected
regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends
using tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality
and performance when replacement is needed. Refer
to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicators” in this
section. Refer to the Tire And Loading Information
Placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and Speed
Symbol for your tire will be found on the original
equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the Tire
Safety Information section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and Speed
Symbol of a tire Ú page 250.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or
two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever
replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s
specifications match those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire
dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent replacement
tires may adversely affect the safety, handling, and
ride of your vehicle.
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Traction
levels may vary between different all season tires.
All season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,
M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use all
season tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires —
If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry
conditions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or
on ice. If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be
aware these tires are not designed for Winter or cold
driving conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle
when ambient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C)
or if roads are covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or
speed rating other than that specified for your
vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved
tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpre
-
dictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire over -
loading and failure. You could lose control and
have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in
sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
8
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 259
260SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Summer tires do not contain the all season
designation or mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire sidewall. Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow
tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified
by a mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent
in size and type to the original equipment
tires. Use snow tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than
what was originally equipped with your vehicle and
should not be operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original equipment or an
authorized tire dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states
prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead
of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in
“In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú
page 128.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and
wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended
tire rotation pattern.
NOTE:This spare tire may not have a TPMS sensor.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire And Loading
Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced) and
reinstalled on your vehicle at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury
or death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates
the possibility of loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not
take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with a compact or limited use temporary spare
installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 260
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE263
(Continued)
(Continued)
SNOW TRACTION DEVICES
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clearance. Due to limited clearance the following traction devices are recommended. Follow these
recommendations to guard against damage.
Snow traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
No other tire sizes are recommended for use with a tire chain or traction device.
Please see the following table for the recommended tire size, axle and snow traction device:
FWD
Trim Level Axle
Tire/Wheel Size Snow Traction Device (Maximum Projection Beyond Tire Profile Or
Equivalent)
All FrontLT225/75R16E
225/75R16C Quality Chain Corp Light Truck Highway Service (Non-Cam) tire chain
or equivalent is recommended.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause
unpredictable handling. You could lose control and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe
the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device clearance
between tires and other suspension components,
it is important that only traction devices in good
condition are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device breakage.
Remove the damaged parts of the device before
further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
Autosock traction devices do not require
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
CAUTION!
8
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 263
264SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, driving, and braking functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to
maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the proper
maintenance intervals Úpage 222. The reasons
for any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected
prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward
cross” shown in the following diagram. This rotation pattern does not apply to some
directional tires that must not be reversed.
Tire Rotation (Forward Cross)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The specific grade rating assigned by the
tire's manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
TREADWEAR
The Treadwear grade is a comparative
rating, based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well on
the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TRACTION GRADES
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s
instructions on the method of installation,
operating speed, and conditions for use.
Always use the suggested operating speed of
the device manufacturer’s if it is less than
30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
CAUTION!
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 264
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE265
TEMPERATURE GRADES
The Temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance,
which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel, than the minimum
required by law.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than
3 weeks, we recommend that you take the
following steps to minimize the drain on your
vehicle's battery:
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting prior to storing. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the
system is started again.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
A
GENTS
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice and those
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during
other seasons are highly corrosive to the metal in
your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your
vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold
weather, and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse affect on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation
Stone and gravel impact
Insects, tree sap and tar
Salt in the air near seacoast localities
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
8
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 265
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
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 283
286 Gauges Fuel
............................................................. 69Gear Ranges.................................................... 82Gear Selector Override.................................. 217Glass Cleaning............................................... 268Gross Axle Weight Rating..................... 123, 125Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 123, 124GuideBody Builders................................................ 8GVWR............................................................ 123
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..................................... 131Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 193Head Restraints............................................... 28HeadlightsAutomatic.................................................... 34Cleaning.................................................... 266High Beam.................................................. 34High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 34Passing........................................................ 34Switch......................................................... 33Heated Mirrors................................................ 33Heated Seats................................................... 26Heater, Engine Block....................................... 77High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch.............................................................. 34Hill Start Assist.............................................. 155
HitchesTrailer Towing........................................... 126Hood Prop........................................................ 50Hood Release.................................................. 50
I
Ignition............................................................. 16Switch.......................................................... 16Illuminated Entry.............................................. 38Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................................. 16Inside Rearview Mirror............................30, 193Instrument ClusterDescriptions................................................ 55Display......................................................... 56Display Controls........................................... 56Menu Items................................................. 57Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 267Intelligent Speed Assist................................... 87Interior And Instrument Lights......................... 36Interior Appearance Care.............................. 266Interior Lights................................................... 36Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).................. 39InverterPower.......................................................... 47iPod/USB/MP3 Control.................................... 45
J
Jack Location................................................ 196Jack Operation.............................................. 196Jacking And Tire Changing............................ 196
Jacking And Tire Changing
S
..................... 196Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions......... 197Jump Starting................................................ 214
K
Key Fob............................................................13Programming Additional Key Fobs...............15Key Fob Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry)..................................................14Key Fob Programming (Remote
Keyless Entry)..................................................15Keyless Enter ‘n Go™.......................................22Passive Entry...............................................22Keys.................................................................13Replacement...............................................15Sentry (Immobilizer).....................................16
L
Lane Change Assist..........................................35LaneSense.................................................... 116Lap/Shoulder Belts....................................... 172Latches......................................................... 191Hood............................................................50Lead Free Gasoline....................................... 270Leaks, Fluid................................................... 191Life Of Tires................................................... 258Light Bulbs........................................... 191, 244
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 286
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
23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 287