GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication and Maintenance
2Suspension
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling System
8ABattery
8BStarting System
8EInstrument Panel and Systems
8HVehicle Speed Control System
8KWiper and Washer Systems
8LLamps
8QVehicle Theft/Security Systems
8UChime Warning/Reminder System
8WWiring Diagrams
9Engine
13Frame and Bumpers
14Fuel SystemÐ2.5L Diesel Engine/2.0L Gas Engine
19Steering
21AÐ598 Manual Transaxle
23Body
24Heating and Air Conditioning
25Emission Control System
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 3
SCHEDULE ± A.......................... 3SCHEDULE ± B.......................... 4
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION............... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Service and maintenance procedures for compo-
nents and systems listed in Schedule ± A or B can be
found by using the Group Tab Locator index at the
front of this manual. If it is not clear which group
contains the information needed, refer to the index at
the back of this manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to.
Schedule ±A, lists scheduled maintenance to be
performed when the vehicle is used for general trans-
portation.
Schedule ±B, lists maintenance intervals for vehi-
cles that are operated under the conditions listed at
the beginning of the Maintenance Schedule section.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions.
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator
for proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ± B (6,000 miles).
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²If your mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000
km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil
change.
²Replace engine oil filter on 2.4L engines.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect brake linings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change engine oil.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Inspect tie rod ends and boot seals.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect brake linings.
²Flush and replace engine coolant at 36 months,
regardless of mileage.
NSLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACH-
MENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR
LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER, OR BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER
UNITS.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not attach towing device to front or rear sus-
pension components.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects
from a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations
before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a flat bed towing device or wheel lift (Fig. 2) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4
in.) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance
cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed
device is used, the approach angle should not exceed
15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels
removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or
rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of
the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
NS vehicles can be tied to a flat bed device using
the reinforced loops located under the front and rear
bumpers on the drivers side of the vehicle. There are
also four reinforced elongated holes for T or R-hooks
located on the bottom of the front frame rail torque
Fig. 2 Recommended Towing Devices
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCENS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE............... 2
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEÐ
DIESEL ENGINE....................... 2SCHEDULEÐA (DIESEL).................. 2
SCHEDULEÐB (DIESEL).................. 3
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION.............. 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Refer to the 1998 GS Service Manual for Gasoline
Engine and non-engine related Maintenance Sched-
ules.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEÐDIESEL ENGINE
The following are engine related Maintenance
items which are unique to Diesel engine-equipped
vehicles. Refer to the 1998 GS Service Manual for
Gasoline Engine and non-engine related Maintenance
Schedules.
The service intervals are based on odometer read-
ings in kilometers. There are two maintenance sched-
ules that show proper service intervals. Use the
schedule that best describes the conditions the vehi-
cle is operated under.Schedule-Alists all the sched-
uled maintenance to be performed under normal
operating conditions.Schedule-Bis the schedule for
vehicles that are operated under one or more of the
following conditions:
²Day and night temperatures are below freezing.
²Stop and go driving.
²Long periods of engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 5 miles.
²Operation at sustained high speeds during hot
weather above 32ÉC (90ÉF).
²Taxi, police or delivery service.
²Trailer towing.
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals
as required.²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator
for proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on ScheduleÐA (7,500 miles) or every other
interval shown on ScheduleÐ B (6,000 miles).
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²If your mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000
km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil
change.
²Replace engine oil filter.
SCHEDULEÐA (DIESEL)
1 000 KM
²Change engine oil.
²Change engine oil filter.
²Check all fluid levels.
²Check correct torque, intake manifold mounting
nuts.
²Check correct torque, exhaust manifold mount-
ing nuts.
²Check correct torque, turbocharger mounting
nuts.
²Check correct torque, water manifold bolts.
10 000 KM
²Change engine oil.
²Change engine oil filter.
20 000 KM
²Change engine oil.
²Change engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
0 - 2 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCENS/GS
JUMP STARTING, HOISTING AND TOWING
INDEX
page
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS............. 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACH-
MENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR
LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER, OR BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER
UNITS.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not attach towing device to front or rear sus-
pension components.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects
from a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations
before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a flat bed towing device or wheel lift (Fig. 1) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4
in.) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance
cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed
device is used, the approach angle should not exceed
15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels
removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or
rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of
the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
Fig. 1 Recommended Towing Devices
NS/GSLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
Camber adjustment is allowed in the event that a
vehicle is involved in an accident and after repairs
are made meeting manufacturers tolerance specifica-
tions, the camber setting will not meet manufactur-
ers specifications. If camber adjustment is required,
refer to the following Service Camber Adjustment
Procedure for the required steps to be followed.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering components to meet vehicle align-
ment specifications, by heating and or bending.
Alignment checks and adjustments should be made
in the following sequence.
(1) Camber
(2) ToeCamberis the number of degrees the top of the
wheel and tire assembly is tilted inboard or outboard
from a true vertical line. Inboard tilt is negative cam-
ber. Outboard tilt is positive camber (Fig. 1).
Excessive camber is a tire wear factor: negative
camber causes wear on the inside of the tires tread
surface, while positive camber causes wear to the
outside of the tires tread surface. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications forCamber.settings.
To eis measured in degrees or inches and is the
distance the front edges of the tires are closer (or far-
ther apart) than the rear edges. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications forToe.settings.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension Alignment Angles
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
FRONT SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BALL JOINT............................ 11
COIL SPRING........................... 11
FRONT SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION......... 9
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY............ 10
LOWER CONTROL ARM.................. 10
Mc PHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLY........... 10
STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK.......... 10
STABILIZER BAR........................ 10
STEERING KNUCKLE.................... 10
SUSPENSION CRADLE (CROSSMEMBER)..... 9
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS................ 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BALL JOINT (LOWER).................... 12
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY............ 12
LOWER CONTROL ARM.................. 12
Mc PHERSON STRUT.................... 11
STABILIZER BAR........................ 12
STEERING KNUCKLE.................... 12SERVICE PROCEDURES
SUSPENSION CRADLE THREAD REPAIR
PROCEDURE......................... 12
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BALL JOINT............................ 22
FRONT WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS......... 28
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY............ 25
LOWER CONTROL ARM.................. 19
Mc PHERSON STRUT.................... 13
REAR WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS.......... 29
STABILIZER BAR........................ 23
STEERING KNUCKLE.................... 14
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT.................. 33
LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT BUSHING.... 34
LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING..... 35
Mc PHERSON STRUT.................... 30
STABILIZER BAR BUSHING................ 35
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUES . . 36
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION.................... 37
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION
An independent Mc Pherson Strut type front sus-
pension is used on these vehicles. Vertical shock
absorbing Mc Pherson Struts attach to the top of the
steering knuckle and to the front strut tower. This
interconnection between the steering knuckle and the
body of the vehicle, provides for the correct steering
knuckle position. This steering knuckle position pro-
vides for the correct front Caster and Camber set-
tings for the vehicle, at the time the vehicle is
designed.
Lower control arms are attached inboard to the
cast aluminum front suspension cradle and outboard
to the bottom of the steering knuckle. Attachment of
the lower control arm to the steering knuckle is done
through a ball joint in the lower control arm.
During steering maneuvers, the strut and the
steering knuckle (through the ball joint and a pivot
bearing in the strut's upper retainer) turn as an
assembly.
SUSPENSION CRADLE (CROSSMEMBER)
This vehicle uses a one piece cast aluminum cradle
for the front suspension. The cradle is used as theattaching points for the lower control arms, stabilizer
bar and steering gear. The cradle also has the power
steering hoses and the chassis brake tubes attached
to it.
The cradle is mounted to the front frame rails at
four points, two on each side of the vehicle. The cra-
dle is isolated from the body of the vehicle using four
isolators, one located at each mounting bolt location.
WARNING: If a threaded hole in the suspension
cradle needs to be repaired, only use the type of
thread insert and installation procedure specified
for this application.
The threaded holes in the cradle that are
used for attachment of the lower control arm
rear bushing retainer, power steering hose and
chassis brake tubes can be repaired. The repair
is done by the installation of a Heli-Coilt
thread insert which has been specifically devel-
oped for this application. Refer to the Mopar
Parts Catalog for the specified Heli-Coil thread
insert to be used for this application. The pro-
cedure for installing the Heli-Coiltthread
insert is detailed in the Service Procedures sec-
tion in this group of the service manual.
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 9
STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension knuckle is not a repairable
component of the vehicles front suspensionIT MUST
BE REPLACED.If bent, broken or damaged in any
way, do not attempt to straighten or repair the steer-
ing knuckle.
Service replacement of the front hub/bearing
assembly can be done with the front steering knuckle
remaining on the vehicle.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the lower control arm casting is ser-
viced only as a complete component. Inspect lower
control arm for signs of damage from contact with
the ground or road debris. If lower control arm shows
any sign of damage, inspect lower control arm for
distortion.Do not attempt to repair or straighten
a broken or bent lower control arm.
The serviceable components of the lower control
arm are: the ball joint assembly, ball joint assembly
grease seal and control arm bushings. Inspect both
control arm bushings for severe deterioration, and
replace if required. Inspect ball joint per inspection
procedure in this section of the service manual and
replace if required. Service procedures to replace
these components are detailed in the specific compo-
nent removal and installation sections in this group
of the service manual.
BALL JOINT (LOWER)
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the grease fitting as shown in (Fig. 5)
and with no mechanical assistance or added force
attempt to rotate the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will
rotate easily. If movement is noted, replacement of
the ball joint is recommended.
STABILIZER BAR
Inspect for broken or distorted sway bar bushings,
bushing retainers, and worn or damaged sway bar to
strut attaching links. If sway bar to front suspension
cradle bushing replacement is required, bushing can
be removed from sway bar by opening slit and peel-
ing bushing off sway bar.
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The condition of the front hub and bearing assem-
bly is diagnosed using the inspection and testing pro-
cedure detailed below.
The bearing contained in the Unit III front hub/
bearing assembly will produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise will generally
change when the bearings are loaded. A road test of
the vehicle is normally required to determine the
location of a worn or damaged bearing.
Find a smooth level road surface and bring the
vehicle up to a constant speed. When vehicle is at a
constant speed, swerve the vehicle back and forth
from the left and to the right. This will load and
unload the bearings and change the noise level.
Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise is
usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 m.p.h..
SERVICE PROCEDURES
SUSPENSION CRADLE THREAD REPAIR
PROCEDURE
WARNING: When performing this procedure use
only the thread inserts which are specified in the
Mopar Parts Catalog for this repair procedure.
These thread inserts have been specifically devel-
oped for this application and use of other types of
thread inserts can result in an inferior long term
repair.
The threaded holes in the front suspension cradle,
if damaged, can repaired by installing a Heli-Coilt
thread insert.
The threaded holes that are repairable using the
thread insert, are the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer mounting bolt holes, routing bracket attach-
ing locations for the power steering hoses, and brake
hose attachment holes.
This repair procedure now allows the threaded
holes in the suspension crossmember to be repaired,
eliminating the need to replace the crossmember if
damage occurs to one of the threaded holes.
The thread inserts for this application are specified
by part number in the Mopar Parts Catalog.Do not
use a substitute thread insert.
The specific tools and equipment required to install
the thread insert are listed below. Refer to the
Fig. 5 Checking Ball Joint Wear
2 - 12 SUSPENSIONNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)