
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: Only transmission fluid of the type labeled
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid±Type
9602) should be used in this transaxle.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a fluid level indicator
(dipstick) to check oil similar to most automatic
transmissions. It is located on the left side of the
engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle
before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground.At normal operating temperature (approxi-
mately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct if it
is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil
level indicator (Fig. 214). The fluid level should be
within the WARM range of the dipstick at 70É F fluid
temperature.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING DRB
NOTE: Engine and Transaxle should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this proce-
dure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Hook up DRB scan tool and select transmis-
sion.(3) Select sensors.
(4) Read the transmission temperature value.
(5) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
fluid temperature chart (Fig. 215).
(6) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
indicator according to the chart.
(7) Check transmission for leaks.
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the
gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
FLUID CONDITION
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle recondition is proba-
bly required. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dip-
stick closely. If there is any doubt about its condition,
drain out a sample for a double check.
Moparž ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
SERVICE
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules in
LUBRICATION and MAINTENANCE, or the vehicle
owner's manual, for the recommended maintenance
(fluid/filter change) intervals for this transaxle.
Fig. 214 Transaxle Fluid Level Indicator
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
21 - 246 AUTOMATIC - 41TERS

LUBRICANT USAGE
COMPONENT SERVICE INTERVAL LUBRICANT
Door Hinges - Hinge Pin and Pivot
Contact AreasAs Required Engine Oil
Hood Hingers - Pivot Points As Required Engine Oil
Lifgate Hinges As Required Engine Oil
Door Check Straps As Required Spray white lube (3)
Door Latches As Required Multi-Purpose Grease (Water
Resistant) (1)
Lifgate Latches As Required Spray white lube (3)
Lifgate Prop Pivots As Required Spray white lube (3)
Ash Receiver As Required Spray white lube (3)
Fuel Filler Door Remote Control
Latch MechanismAs Required Spray white lube (3)
Parking Brake Mechanism As Required Spray white lube (3)
Sliding Seat Tracks As Required Spray white lube (3)
All Other Hood Mechanisms As Required Multipurpose Grease (2)
Door Lock Cylinders As Required Lock Cylinder Lubricant (4)
Lifgate Lock Cylinder As Required Lock Cylinder Lubricant (4)
Sliding Door Upper Track As Required Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI Grade
2 EP (2)
Sliding Door Center Track Leading
EdgeAs Required Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI Grade
2 EP (2)
Sliding Door Lower Track Leading
EdgeAs Required Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI Grade
2 EP (2)
Window System Components
(Regulators, tracks, links, channel
areas Ð except glass run
weatherstrips and felt lubricator, if
equipped.)As Required Spray white lube (3)
1 MOPARž Wheel Bearing Grease (High Temperature)
2 MOPARž Multi-Mileage Lubricant or equivalent
3 MOPARž Spray white lube or equivalent
4 MOPARž Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent
23 - 10 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

cloudy days and at night it will probably be slightly
warmer. Infrared Three-Zone Temperature Control
provides side-to-side and front-to-rear variation in
comfort temperature settings. The Infrared Three-
Zone Automatic Temperature Control fan provides a
continuously variable air flow rate to meet occupant
comfort requirements.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
²AUTO HI/LO± This system features two sets of
automatic control logic that allow either a rapid cool-
down rate or a somewhat slower cool-down rate with
less fan noise. HI-AUTO controls the system to reach
its assigned temperature quickly with a higher fan
speed. LO-AUTO controls the system to reach its
assigned temperature somewhat slower with less fan
noise. Both modes will automatically engage auto
recirculation.
²DE-FROST± The front de-frost function is
active when the rear window defogger function is
active or when the defog/defrost mode is selected.
²RECIRC± The RECIRC button will close the
air inlet door. If the system is in auto recirc (indica-
tor being displayed automatically), pressing the man-
ual recirc button will disable the auto recirc function
until one of the auto keys are pressed or the ignition
is cycled. If Auto HI/LO is pressed while manual
recirc is active, manual recirc will be deactivated.
²REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER± Pushing the
button sends a PCI bus message to the Intelligent
Power Module which controls the Rear Window
Defogger and side view mirror (if equipped) circuitry.
The defogger function will be active for 10 minutes
and can be turned off by a switch press. The defogger
will function while the control is in the OFF mode.
²FAN/MODE± The Fan and Mode knobs have
17 manual selectable positions. Manually changing
either of the rotary knobs for mode or fan speed set-
tings makes control of that function alone manual for
as long as the ignition is on. If only one is changed
manually, the other remains under automatic control.
Pressing the HI-AUTO/LO-AUTO rocker switch
restores full automatic control.
²REAR CONTROL± When the Rear System
control knob is moved to the OFF position, there will
be a delay of approximately 1 second before the sys-
tem actually turns off. This delay is to prevent an
undesired blower dropout if the knob is moved
through OFF to the other selections.
²BLOWER DELAY TIMER± The word DELAY
is displayed at start-up to signify that the system is
waiting so that cold air will not be blowing. This tells
the operator that it is unnecessary to turn the sys-
tem off, raise the temperature setting or turn the fan
speed setting down to prevent cold air from blowing.
A countdown in minutes and seconds until the engineis warm enough to begin delivering heat to the pas-
sengers alternates with the DELAY message at 25
second intervals. This countdown is based on actual
measurement of the rate of engine coolant tempera-
ture change. During the delay time, Defrost mode is
selected and the fan operates at a low speed to keep
the windshield fog free.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
Primary control of the rear compartment unit is in
the instrument panel center stack. The rear unit con-
trol knob there allows the driver to turn the rear
unit off, allow control by the intermediate seat occu-
pants by switching to the REAR position, or provide
fully automatic control based on the temperature set-
ting shown on the front control display.
²REAR CONTROL± Selecting automatic control
of the rear unit at the instrument panel, illuminates
a Locked Padlock in the rear control panel display.
Selecting REAR activates the rear control panel and
the Padlock then appears unlocked.
²FAN KNOB± The rear fan control has Off and
AUTO positions and a range of manual speed set-
tings that override the AUTO setting.
²MODE KNOB± The mode control allows inter-
mediate seat occupants to manually override the
automatic mode and select any balance of air flow
between overhead and floor outlets from full over-
head to full floor.
²SET TEMP± The rear set temp control will
operate identical to the front controls. If the front
control rear set temp button is pressed simulta-
neously with the rear control head, then the front
control head press events shall have priority, i.e. if
the front user presses Rear Set Temp down and the
rear user presses Set Temp up, then the rear set
temp will decrease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COOL DOWN
TEST
The heater-A/C control module can perform an A/C
cool down test, which is a test performed during the
manufacturing process to confirm that the air condi-
tioning system is performing satisfactorily. This test
can also provide a quick confirmation of air condi-
tioning system performance to the service technician.
If the test is completed satisfactorily, no further ser-
vice is required. If the test is failed, proceed to the
A/C Performance Test to confirm the a/c system is
operating properly, or use a DRBIIItscan tool to
diagnose the A/C system control and distribution sys-
tems. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)