LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol on the label. At the bottom NLGI symbol is the usage and qual-
ity identification letters. Wheel bearing lubricant is
identified by the letter ``G''. Chassis lubricant is iden-
tified by the letter ``L''. The letter following the us-
age letter indicates the quality of the lubricant. The
following symbols indicate the highest quality.
FLUID CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank
AP,AG and AJ ......................................53 L (14 gal.)
AA,AC and AY .....................................60 L (16 gal.)
AA-Flexible Fuel ..................................68 L (18 gal.)
Engine Oil
All.........................................................3.8 L (4.5 qts.)
Cooling System
2.2L ......................................................8.5 L (9.0 qts.)
2.5L ......................................................8.5 L (9.0 qts.)
3.0L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
3.3L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
3.8L ......................................................9.0 L (9.5 qts.)
Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle
Automatic Transaxle
Estimated Service Fill
ALL ......................................................3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
Overhaul Fill Capacity with Torque Converter
Empty
3-speed Fleet .......................................8.7 L (9.2 qts.)
3-speed .................................................8.2 L (8.8 qts.)
4-speed Electronic ................................9.4L (9.9 qts.)
Manual Transaxle
All ..........................................................9.4L (9.9 qts.)
Fill to bottom of fill hole.
Power Steering
All ...........................................................75L (1.5 pts.)
PARTS REQUIRING NO LUBRICATION
Many components on a Chrysler Corporation vehi-
cle require no periodic maintenance. Some compo-
nents are sealed and permanently lubricated. Rubber
bushings can deteriorate or limit damping ability if
lubricated. The following list of components require
no lubrication: ²
Air Pump
² Generator Bushings
² Drive Belts
² Drive Belt Idler/Tensioner Pulley
² Front Wheel Bearings
² Rubber Bushings
² Starter Bearings/Bushings
² Suspension Strut Bearings
² Throttle Control Cable
² Throttle Linkage
² Water Pump Bearings
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN GROUP 8A, BATTERY/START-
ING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS. DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY, PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT JUMP START WHEN BATTERY INDICA-
TOR DOT IS YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR. DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO
TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A
BOOSTER SOURCE. DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BATTERY.
REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN ON HANDS
OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY ACCIDENTAL
ARCHING OF BATTERY CURRENT. WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING DE-
VICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO EX-
CEED 16 VOLTS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED WITH DEVICE BEING USED.
CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a
booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical
systems can be damaged on either vehicle.
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
(1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually in-
spect engine compartment for:
² Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary.
² Frozen battery.
² Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped.
² Low battery fluid level.
² Generator drive belt condition and tension.
² Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on dis-
abled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle
charging system can result.
(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, turn off all accessories, place gear selector in
park or neutral, set park brake and operate engine
at 1200 rpm.
NLGI SYMBOL
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
² SG service engine oil is a high quality crankcase
lubricant designed for use in all naturally aspirated
engines. If SG service engine oil is used in turbo-
charged engine, change engine oil at every 4 800
km (3,000 miles) or three months.
² SG/CD service engine oil is a high quality crank-
case lubricant designed for use in most naturally as-
pirated and turbocharged gasoline or diesel engines.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES
Vehicles operated using Flexible Fuel (M85) re-
quire engine oil that meet or exceed Chrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Mopar Flexible Fuel engine oil or
equivalent should be used when adding or changing
crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on the
container indicates the viscosity grade, quality and
fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains. Use
ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API SER-
VICE SG or SG/CD classification.
ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar En-
gine Oil Supplement or equivalent be used when fric-
tion and corrosion reducing materials added to the
crankcase lubricant is desired.
CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil,
oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.
Inspect engine oil level approximately every 800
kilometers (500 miles). Position vehicle on level sur- face. With engine OFF, allow enough time for oil to
settle to bottom of crankcase, remove engine oil level
indicator (dipstick) and wipe clean. Install dipstick
and verify it is seated in the tube. Remove dipstick,
with handle above tip, take oil level reading (Fig. 2).
Add oil only if level is below MIN or ADD mark on
dipstick.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules.
Position the vehicle on a level surface. Hoist and
support vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Hoisting
and Jacking Recommendations in this group. Place a
suitable 3.8 liter (4 qt.) drain pan under crankcase
drain. Remove drain plug from crankcase. Inspect
drain plug threads for stretching or other damage.
Replace drain plug and gasket if damaged. Install
drain plug in crankcase. Lower vehicle and fill
crankcase with specified type and amount of engine
oil described in this section. Start engine and inspect
for leaks. Stop engine and inspect oil level.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
SELECTING OIL FILTER
Chrysler Corporation recommends a Mopar or
equivalent oil filter be used when replacement is re-
quired. A replacement filter must be designed to
withstand 1756 kPa (256 psi) of internal pressure.
OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT
Position a drain pan under the oil filter. Using a
suitable oil filter wrench (Fig. 3) loosen filter. When
filter separates from adapter nipple, tip gasket end
upward to minimize oil spill. Remove filter from ve-
hicle. With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing
surface (Fig. 4) of oil and grime. Wipe off oil residue
from below oil filter adapter.
TO INSTALL NEW OIL FILTER: Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine oil or
chassis grease. Thread filter onto adapter nipple.
When gasket makes contact with sealing surface,
tighten filter one full turn. If necessary use a filter
wrench, do not over tighten. Add oil, verify crank-
case oil level and start engine. Inspect for oil leaks.
RECOMMENDED VISCOSITY GRADES
Fig. 1 API Symbol
Fig. 2 Oil Level Indicator DipstickÐTypical
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO
NOT STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAIN-
ERS. WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY
AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE
GLYCOL. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROP-
ERLY, CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT
AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION CEN-
TER IN YOUR AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE
ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE, PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN ENGINE
COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS PER-
FORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not use straight antifreeze as engine
coolant, inadequate engine running temperatures
can result. Do not operate vehicle without proper concentra-
tion of recommended ethylene glycol coolant, high
running temperatures and cooling system corrosion
can result.
The engine cooling system will develop internal
pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to 18 psi) at normal op-
erating temperature. Allow the vehicle approxi-
mately one half hour to cool off before opening the
cooling system. As an indicator of pressure, squeeze
the upper radiator hose between index finger and
thumb. If it collapses with little effort the system
would have low internal pressure and should be safe
to open to the first safety notch of the radiator cap.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System.
COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION
Coolant level (Fig. 5) should be inspected when
other engine compartment service is performed or
when coolant leak is suspected. Coolant recovery
tank level should read between the MIN and MAX
marks, located on the side of recovery tank, when the
engine is at normal operating temperature. Normal
coolant level maintenance does not require the re-
moval of radiator cap. Cooling system freeze protec-
tion should be tested at the onset of the winter
season or every 12 months. Service is required if
coolant is low, contaminated, rusty or freeze protec-
tion is inadequate. To properly test cooling system,
see Group 7, Cooling System.
The cooling system factory fill is a mixture of 50%
Glycol based antifreeze and 50% water. Using a suit-
able hydrometer, measure antifreeze concentration in
the radiator when the engine is cool. If the cooling
system has recently been serviced, allow coolant to
circulate for at least 20 minutes before taking hy-
drometer reading. Properly mixed coolant will pro-
tect the cooling system to -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If the freeze
protection is above -28ÉC (-20ÉF), drain enough cool-
ant from the cooling system to allow room to add an-
Fig. 3 Remove Oil Filter
Fig. 4 Install Oil Filter
Fig. 5 Coolant Recovery Tank
0 - 10 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
DRIVETRAIN INDEX
page page
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 16
Automatic Transaxle Floor Shift .............. 16
Clutch and Gearshift Linkage ............... 16
Drive Shaft Cv and Tripod Joint Boots ........ 17 Front Wheel Bearings
..................... 17
Manual Transaxle ........................ 16
Tires .................................. 17
CLUTCH AND GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
If the clutch or gearshift begins to operate with dif-
ficulty, squeak or grunt, the cables and linkage
should be lubricated before service replacement is
performed. For proper lubrication and service proce-
dures refer to Group 6, Clutch, or Group 21, Manual
Transaxle.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The manual transaxle should be inspected for oil
leaks and proper oil level when other under vehicle
service is performed. To inspect the transaxle oil
level, position the vehicle on a level surface. Remove
fill plug (Fig. 1) from the transaxle side cover. The
oil level should not be below 4 mm (3/16 in) from the
bottom of the oil fill opening. The manual transaxle does not require periodic
maintenance. The oil should be changed only when
water contamination is suspected. If oil has a foamy
or milky appearance it probably is contaminated. A
circular magnet located behind the differential cover
collects metallic particles circulating in the oil. For
proper diagnostic and service procedures, refer to
Group 21, Manual Transaxle.
SELECTING MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar Engine
Oil, SG or SG/CD SAE 5W-30, or equivalent, be used
to fill a 5-speed transaxle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLOOR SHIFT
If the automatic transaxle floor shift mechanism
becomes difficult to operate or starts to make objec-
tionable noise, the mechanism should be lubricated
before service repair is performed. To lubricate the
shift mechanism, remove console as necessary. Refer
to Group 23, Body. Apply a film of Mopar Multipur-
pose Grease or equivalent, to slide surfaces and pawl
spring. For additional information, refer to Group 21,
Transaxle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle should be inspected for
fluid leaks and proper fluid level when other under
hood service is performed.
CAUTION: To minimize fluid contamination, verify
that dipstick is seated in the fill hole or tube after
fluid level reading is taken.
TO INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL: (1) Position the vehicle on a level surface.
(2) Start engine and allow to idle in PARK for at
least 60 seconds. The warmer the transaxle fluid, the
more accurate the reading. (3) While sitting in driver seat, apply brakes and
place gear selector in each position. Return gear se-
lector to park. (4) Raise hood and remove transaxle fluid level in-
dicator (dipstick) and wipe clean with a suitable
cloth. (5) Install dipstick and verify it is seated in fill
hole or tube (Fig. 2 or 3).
CAUTION: Do not overfill automatic transaxle, leak-
age or damage can result.
(6) Remove dipstick, with handle above tip, take
fluid level reading (Fig. 4). If the vehicle has been
driven for at least 15 minutes before inspecting fluid
level, transaxle can be considered hot and reading
should be above the WARM mark. If vehicle has run
for less than 15 minutes and more than 60 seconds
transaxle can be considered warm and reading
Fig. 1 Manual Transaxle Fill Plug
0 - 16 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
should be above ADD mark. Add fluid only if level is
below ADD mark on dipstick when transaxle is
warm.The automatic transaxle does not require periodic
maintenance when used for general transportation. If
the vehicle is subjected to severe service conditions,
the automatic transaxle will require fluid/filter
change and band adjustments every 24 000 km
(15,000 miles). For additional information, refer to
Severe Service paragraph and Lubrication and Main-
tenance Schedules in General Information section of
this group. The fluid and filter should be changed
when water contamination is suspected. If fluid has
foamy or milky appearance, it is probably contami-
nated. If the fluid appears brown or dark and a foul
odor is apparent, the fluid is burned, transaxle re-
quires maintenance or service. A circular magnet lo-
cated in the transaxle pan, collects metallic particles
circulating in the oil. For proper diagnostic and ser-
vice procedures, refer to Group 21, Automatic Tran-
saxle.
SELECTING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar ATF Plus
(automatic transmission fluid type 7176) be used to
add to or replace automatic transaxle fluid. If ATF
Plus is not available use Mopar Dexron II tAuto-
matic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
DRIVE SHAFT CV AND TRIPOD JOINT BOOTS
The front drive shaft constant velocity and tripod
joint boots (Fig. 5) should be inspected when other
under vehicle service is performed. Inspect boots for
cracking, tears, leaks or other defects. If service re-
pair is required, refer to Group 2, Suspension.
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
The front wheel bearings are permanently sealed,
requiring no lubrication. For proper diagnostic and
service procedures refer to Group 2, Suspension.
TIRES
The tires should be inspected at every engine oil
change for proper inflation and condition. The tires
should be rotated at the distance intervals described
in the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules of the
General Information section in this group. For tire
inflation specifications refer to the Owner's Manual.
A Tire Inflation sticker is located in the driver door
opening. For proper diagnostic procedures, see Group
22, Wheels and Tires.Fig. 2 3-speed Automatic Transaxle Fill hole
Fig. 3 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Fill tube
Fig. 4 Automatic Transaxle DipstickÐTypical
Fig. 5 Drive Shaft Boots
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
CHASSIS AND BODY INDEX
page page
Body Lubrication ......................... 22
Brakes ................................ 21
Headlamps ............................. 22
Lower Ball Joints ......................... 19 Power Steering
.......................... 19
Rear Wheel Bearings ..................... 20
Steering Linkage ......................... 19
STEERING LINKAGE
INSPECTION
The steering linkage and steering gear should be in-
spected for wear, leaks or damage when other under ve-
hicle service is performed. The rack and pinion steering
gear end boots should not have excess oil or grease res-
idue on the outside surfaces or surrounding areas
(Fig.1). If boot is leaking, it should be repaired. For
proper service procedures, see Group 19, Steering.
The tie rod end seal should fit securely between the
steering knuckle and tie rod end (Fig.2). The steering
linkage should be lubricated at the time and distance
intervals described in the Lubrication and Mainte-
nance Schedules. Refer to General Information sec-
tion of this group.
TIE ROD END LUBRICATION
Lubricate the steering linkage with Mopar, Multi-
mileage Lube or equivalent. Using a wiping cloth,
clean grease and dirt from around grease fitting and
joint seal. Using a grease gun, fill tie rod end until
lubricant leaks from around the tie rod end side of
the seal (Fig.2). When lube operation is complete,
wipe off excess grease.
LOWER BALL JOINTS
INSPECTION
The front suspension lower ball joints should be in-
spected for wear, leaks or damage when other under ve- hicle service is performed. The ball joint seal should fit
securely between the steering knuckle and lower control
arm (Fig. 3). The ball joints should be lubricated at the
time and distance intervals described in the Lubrication
and Maintenance Schedules. Refer to the General Infor-
mation section of this group.
BALL JOINT LUBRICATION
CAUTION: Do not over fill ball joint with grease,
damage to seal can result.
Lubricate the ball joints with Mopar, Multi-mile-
age Lube or equivalent. Using a wiping cloth, clean
grease and dirt from around grease fitting and joint
seal. Using a grease gun, fill ball joint until seal
starts to swell (Fig. 3). When lube operation is com-
plete, wipe off excess grease.
POWER STEERING
The power steering fluid level should be inspected
when other under hood service is performed. If the
fluid level is low and system is not leaking, use Mo-
par, Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. The power
steering system should be inspected for leaks when
other under vehicle service is performed. For proper
service procedures, refer to Group 19, Steering.Fig. 1 Inspect Steering Linkage
Fig. 2 Tie Rod End Lubrication
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 19
The power steering pump drive belt should be in-
spected at the time and distance interval described in
the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules. Refer to
the General Information section of this group.
POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION
WARNING: ENGINE MUST NOT BE RUNNING WHEN
INSPECTING POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not over fill power steering reservoir
when adding fluid, seal damage and leakage can re-
sult.
TO INSPECT FLUID LEVEL:
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface with engine
at normal running temperature. (2) Turn OFF engine and remove ignition key.
(3) Using a wiping cloth, clean oil and dirt residue
from around power steering reservoir cap. (4) Remove reservoir cap or dipstick and wipe off
fluid. (5) Install cap or dipstick.
(6) Remove cap or dipstick. Holding handle or cap
above tip of dipstick, read fluid level (Fig. 4, 5, or 6).
Add fluid if reading is below cold level mark on dip-
stick.
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS
INSPECTION
The rear wheel bearings should be packed with
new lubricant at the distance interval described in the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules. Refer to
the General Information section of this group. The
bearings should be inspected for contamination and
wear before they are cleaned. Slight discoloration of
bearing rollers and race cup is normal. If metal
Fig. 3 Ball Joint Lubrication
Fig. 4 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ2.2L or 2.5L Engine
Fig. 5 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 6 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ3.3L or3.8L Engine
0 - 20 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä
BRAKE RESERVOIR LEVEL INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM OR WATER
BASE LIQUIDS TO CONTAMINATE BRAKE FLUID,
SEAL DAMAGE AND BRAKE FAILURE CAN RESULT.
RELIEVE PRESSURE IN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYS-
TEM BEFORE ADDING BRAKE FLUID TO RESER-
VOIR. IF NOT, BRAKE FLUID COULD DISCHARGED
FROM THE RESERVOIR POSSIBLY CAUSING PER-
SONAL INJURY.
The brake reservoir level should be inspected when
other under hood service is performed. It is normal
for the reservoir level to drop as disc brake pads
wear. When fluid must be added, use Mopar, Brake
Fluid or equivalent. Use only brake fluid conforming
to DOT 3, Federal, Department of Transportation
specification. To avoid brake fluid contamination, use
fluid from a properly sealed container. On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, depressurize the
system before inspecting fluid level. Turn OFF the
ignition and remove the key. Pump the brake pedal
at least 50 times to relieve the pressure in the sys-
tem.
On all vehicles, if fluid should become low after sev-
eral thousand kilometers (miles), fill the reservoir to
level marks on the side of the reservoir (Fig. 8 or 9).
HEADLAMPS
The headlamps should be inspected for intensity
and aim whenever a problem is suspected. When lug-
gage compartment is heavily loaded, the headlamp
aim should be adjusted to compensate for vehicle
height change. For proper service procedures, refer to
Group 8L, Lamps. DRIVER SUPPLEMENTAL AIRBAG SYSTEM
If the AIRBAG indicator lamp does not light at all,
stays lit or lights momentarily or continuously while
driving, a malfunction may have occurred. Prompt service is required. Refer to Group 8M, Restraint
Systems for proper diagnostic procedures.
BODY LUBRICATION
Body mechanisms and linkages should be inspected,
cleaned and lubricated as required to maintain ease of
operation and to prevent corrosion and wear. Before a component is lubricated, oil, grease and dirt
should be wiped off. If necessary, use solvent to clean
component to be lubricated. After lubrication is com-
plete, wipe off excess grease or oil. During winter season, external lock cylinders should
be lubricated with Mopar, Lock Lubricant or equiva-
lent to ensure proper operation when exposed to water
and ice. To assure proper hood latching component operation,
use engine oil to lubricate the lock, safety catch and
hood hinges when other under hood service is per-
formed. Mopar, Multi-purpose Grease or equivalent
should be applied sparingly to all pivot and slide
contact areas.
USE ENGINE OIL ON:
² Door hingesÐHinge pin and pivot points.
² Hood hingesÐPivot points.
² Luggage compartment lid hingesÐPivot points.
USE MOPAR LUBRIPLATE OR EQUIVALENT ON:
² Door check straps.
² Hood counterbalance springs.
² Luggage compartment lid latches.
² Luggage compartment lid prop rod pivots.
² Ash tray slides.
² Fuel Fill Door latch mechanism.
² Park brake mechanism.
² Front seat tracks.
Fig. 8 Anti-lock Brake Reservoir
Fig. 9 Master Cylinder Brake ReservoirÐExcept
Anti-lock
0 - 22 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä