The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX
markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when
the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX
reading on these engines.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has four constant velocity universal joints.
Periodic lubrication of these joints is not required. How-
ever, the joint boots should be inspected for external
leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
If leakage or damage is evident, replace the universal
joint boot and grease immediately.
Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.
Body Lubrication
Body and other operating mechanisms and linkages
should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, as required,
to maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear.
Before the application of any lubricant, the parts con-
cerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit;
after lubricating, excess oil or grease should be removed.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant, di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
7
Engine Fuel......................... 206
Engine Oil.......................... 205
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 182
Flat Tire Changing...................... 183
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 236
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fog Lights............................. 67
Folding Rear Seat....................... 62
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 192
Fuel.............................. 113,175
Adding............................. 177
Additives........................... 177
Filler Cap........................... 177
Filter.............................. 206
Gauge.............................. 113
Light.............................. 113
Octane Rating........................ 175
System Hoses........................ 220
Fueling.............................. 177
Fuses.............................227,228Garage Door Opener...................75,80
GasCap .............................. 177
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 176
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 114
Fuel............................... 113
Oil Pressure......................... 113
Speedometer/Odometer................ 116
Glass Cleaning......................... 226
Glove Compartment..................... 13
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 182
Head Restraints......................... 62
Headlights
Automatic........................... 66
Bulb Replacement..................... 230
Cleaning............................ 226
Dimmer Switch....................... 68
Lights On Reminder.................... 66
Switch.............................. 66
Time Delay........................66,67
Heated Mirrors......................... 55
Heated Seats........................... 59
270 INDEX
