Page 178 of 273
Preparations For Jacking
•
Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers and park the
vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery
areas.
•Put the gear shift in PARK (Automatic transmission)
or REVERSE (Manual Transmission).
•Set the parking brake and turn off the engine.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, scissors, jack and lug wrench.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 217 of 273

Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transaxle and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type. It is
important that the transmission fluid be maintained at
the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
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Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
•The vehicle must be on level ground.
•The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
•Fully apply parking brake.
•Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
2.7L Transmission Dipstick
3.5L Transmission Dipstick
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 219 of 273

•Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
•If the fluid is hot(180° F / 82° C), the reading should
be in the cross hatched area marked ”HOT” (between
the upper two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid is cold(80° F / 27° C), the reading should
be in the cross hatched area marked “COLD” (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary
Maintenance schedule “B”— Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
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Page 234 of 273
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (front-rear) MoparHypoid Gear Lubricant (SAE 80W-90). Do not use synthetic gear lu-
bricants.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT-3 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door pillar.
Body
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Hinges:
Door, Hood and Trunk MoparEngine Oil
Hood hinge springs and links MoparSpray White Lube
Latches:
Door and Hood Trunk MoparMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 MoparSpray White Lube
Door check straps MoparSpray White Lube
Window System Components MoparSpray White Lube
Lock Cylinders MoparSpray White Lube
Parking Brake Mechanism MoparSpray White Lube
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 238 of 273
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule “A” 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule “B” 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
238 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•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).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 239
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Page 272 of 273

Tilt Steering Column..................... 71
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 67
Timing Belt........................... 202
Tires ...........................50,159,259
Air Pressure......................159,161
Alignment.......................... 167
Balancing........................... 167
Chains............................. 163
Changing........................177,178
Flat Changing........................ 177
High Speed......................... 161
Jacking............................. 178
Pressure Label....................... 161
Quality Grading...................... 259
Radial............................. 162
Replacement......................... 165
Rotation............................ 166
Snow Tires.......................... 164
Spare Tire........................... 162
Spinning............................ 163
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 164
To Open Hood.......................... 64Towing.............................. 172
Disabled Vehicle...................... 186
Trailering........................... 172
Traction Control...................72,109,159
Trailer Towing......................... 172
Transaxle
Additives........................... 219
Automatic........................153,217
Filter.............................. 219
Operation........................... 154
Selection of Lubricant.................. 217
Transmission
Range Indicator.................... 112,154
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener..........76,81
Transmitter Programming................. 20
Transporting Pets........................ 48
Traveler Trip Computer................... 93
Tread Wear Indicators................... 164
Trip Computer........................93,96
Trip Odometer.......................... 98
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 111
272 INDEX