
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
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CHASSIS AND BODY .................... 19 
DRIVETRAIN  ........................... 16  ENGINE 
................................ 8 
GENERAL INFORMATION  .................. 1 
GENERAL INFORMATION  INDEX
page page 
Classification of Lubricants  .................. 1 
Fluid Capacities  .......................... 4 
Fuel Usage  .............................. 1 
Hoisting Recommendations  .................. 5 
Introduction  .............................. 1  Jump Starting Procedure 
.................... 4 
Parts and Lubricant Recommendations  ......... 1 
Parts Requiring No Lubrication  ............... 4 
Severe Service  ........................... 1 
Towing Recommendations  ................... 7
INTRODUCTION
Chrysler Corporation has compiled recommended 
lubrication and maintenance schedules and proce-
dures to help reduce premature wear or failure over
a broad range of operating conditions. When select-
ing the proper maintenance schedule, the climate
and operating conditions must be considered. A vehi-
cle subjected to severe usage requires service more
frequently than a vehicle used for general transpor-
tation.
PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
When service is required, Chrysler Corporation rec-
ommends that only Mopar  tbrand parts, lubricants 
and chemicals be used. Mopar  tprovides the best en- 
gineered products for servicing Chrysler Corporation
vehicles.
SEVERE SERVICE
If a vehicle is operated under any of the following
conditions, it is considered severe service.
²  Extremely dusty areas. 
²  50% or more of vehicle operation in 32ÉC (90ÉF) or 
higher temperatures.
²  Prolonged idling ( such as, vehicle operation in 
stop and go traffic).
²  Frequent short running periods. Not allowing en- 
gine to warm to operating temperatures.
²  Police or taxi usage.
FUEL USAGE
All Chrysler Corporation engines require the use of 
unleaded fuel to reduce exhaust emissions. Use fuel
with a minimum octane rating of 87,(R + M)/2. See
Engine section of this group for Fuel Recommenda-
tions.
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS
Only lubricants that are endorsed by the following
organizations standards should be used to service a
Chrysler Corporation vehicle.
²  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 
²  American Petroleum Institute (API) 
²  National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
ENGINE OIL
SAE GRADE RATING INDICATES ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY 
²  SAE 30 = single grade engine oil. 
²  SAE 5W-30 = multiple grade engine oil. 
API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION. 
²  SG service engine oil is a high quality crankcase 
lubricant designed for use in all naturally aspirated
engines.
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.
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear lu-
bricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage.
Ä  LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 1 

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
0 - 2 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEÄ 

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 

tifreeze to achieve adequate protection. A mix table 
on the coolant container indicates the amount of an-
tifreeze required to winterize the cooling system 
based on the capacity, see Capacity Chart in General
Information section of this group.
SELECTING ANTIFREEZE
Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar Anti-
freeze/Summer Coolant, or equivalent be used to win-
terize and protect cooling system.
RADIATOR CAP
The radiator cap must be secure to provide proper
pressure release and coolant recovery. Inspect and
test radiator cap when cooling system service is per-
formed or when problem is suspected.
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
The cooling system should be drained, flushed and
filled with the proper coolant mixture at the inter-
vals described in the Lubrication and Maintenance
Schedules. Refer to General Information section of
this group. For proper service instructions see Group
7, Cooling System.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER
The engine air cleaner should be serviced at the in-
tervals described in the Lubrication and Mainte-
nance Schedules. Refer to General Information
section of this group. Additional information can be
found in Group 14, Fuel System and Group 25, Emis-
sion System. Inspect all air cleaner hoses or tubes for
damage or leaks when other engine compartment
service is performed. Replace faulty components.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
CAUTION: The air cleaner cover must be installed
properly for the emissions system and engine con-
troller to function correctly. Do not immerse paper air filter element or temper-
ature sensor in cleaning solvents, damage can re-
sult. 
TO SERVICE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY:  (1) Raise hood of vehicle and inspect all air cleaner 
components for damage or improper attachment. (2) Remove air cleaner cover (Fig. 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10).
(3) Remove paper air filter element from air
cleaner body. Hold a shop light on throttle body side
of element. Inspect air intake side of element. If light
is visible through element, blow dust from element
(Fig. 11) and reuse. If element is saturated with oil
or light is not visible, replace filter. If element is sat-
urated with oil, perform crankcase ventilation sys-
tem tests. (4) Remove fiber crankcase filter (Fig. 6, 7, 8, 9, or
10) and clean with solvent, squeeze filter dry and ap-  ply small amount of engine oil. If a metallic mesh is 
used to retain fiber filter, clean mesh with solvent
and reuse.
(5) Clean inside of air cleaner cover and body with
vacuum or compressed air. If oily, wash with solvent. To Install, reverse the preceding operation.
Fig. 6 Air CleanerÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 7 Air CleanerÐFlexible Fuel Engine
Fig. 8 Air CleanerÐ16 Valve Engine
Ä  LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 11 

PCV SYSTEM TEST
Refer to group 25, Emission Control System for 
proper procedures to test PCV system.
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Chrysler Corporation recommends that only fuel pur-
chased from a reputable retailer be used. Use high qual-
ity, unleaded gasoline to provide satisfactory
driveability and highest fuel economy. Gasoline contain-
ing detergent and corrosion control additives are desire-
able. If the engine develops spark knock (audible ping),
poor performance, hard starting or stalling, purchase
fuel from another source. Engine performance can vary
when using different brands of gasoline with the same
octane rating. Occasional light engine spark knock un-
der heavy acceleration, at low speed or when vehicle is
heavily loaded is not harmful. Extended periods of
spark knock under moderate acceleration or at cruising
speed can damage the engine. The cause of excessive
spark knock condition must be diagnosed and corrected.
For diagnostic procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel Sys-
tem and Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual.
SELECTING GASOLINE
CAUTION:Do not use fuel containing METHANOL
(methyl or wood alcohol), damage to fuel system
will result. Do not use leaded gasoline, damage to catalytic
converter will result and vehicle will not conform to
emission control standards. 
ETHANOL, MTBE OR ETBE BLENDS 
All Chrysler Corporation vehicles are designed to 
use unleaded gasoline ONLY. Gasohol blends, con-
taining 10% Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 90% un-
leaded gasoline can be used provided it has adequate
octane rating. Fuel blends containing up to 15% MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary Butyl Ether) and 85% unleaded gasoline can
be used. Fuel blends containing up to 17% ETBE
(Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) and 83% unleaded gas-
oline can also be used. Fuel blended with ethanol, MTBE or ETBE are 
also referred to as reformulated or clean air gasoline.
These fuels contribute less emissions to the atmo-
sphere. Chrysler Corporation recommends that
blended fuels be used when available 
METHANOL BLENDS  Using gasoline blended with methanol can result 
in starting and driveability problems. Deterioration
of fuel system components will result. Methanol in-
duced problems are not the responsibility of Chrysler
Corporation and may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.  NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES 
Use regular unleaded gasoline having a minimum 
octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2. Higher octane premium
unleaded gasoline can be used if desired. 
2.2L 16 VALVE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE 
Use premium unleaded gasoline having a mini- 
mum octane rating of 91 (R+M)/2. Gasoline with oc-
tane rating less than 91 (R+M)/2 can be used if
recommended gasoline is not available. Low octane
gasoline will reduce engine performance. 
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES 
CAUTION: Do not use 100% methanol, damage to 
fuel system can result.  Use unleaded regular gasoline having a minimum 
octane rating of 87 (R=M)/2 and M85 fuel that is
85% methanol and 15% unleaded gasoline, or a mix-
ture of these two.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter requires service only when a fuel
contamination problem is suspected. For proper diag-
nostic and service procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel
System,
IGNITION CABLES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP, AND 
ROTOR
Inspect and test ignition cables, distributor cap and 
rotor when the spark plugs are replaced. Oil and
grime should be cleaned from the ignition cables and
distributor cap to avoid possible spark plug fouling.
Mopar, Foamy Engine Degreaser, or equivalent is
recommended for cleaning the engine compartment.
For proper service and diagnostic procedures refer to
Group 8D, Ignition System.
SPARK PLUGS
Ignition spark plugs should be replaced at the
mileage interval described in the Lubrication and
Maintenance Schedules. Refer to the General Infor-
mation section of this group. For proper service pro-
cedures refer to Group 8D, Ignition Systems.
DRIVE BELTS
Inspect and adjust drive belts at the interval de-
scribed in the Lubrication and Maintenance Sched-
ules. Refer to General Information section of this
group. For proper inspection and adjustment proce-
dures, see Group 7, Cooling System.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Inspect all emission control components and hoses
when other under hood service is performed. Refer to
emission system Vacuum Hose Label located on the
0 - 14 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