2004 CHRYSLER CONCORDE steering

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.7L Engine..........................189
3.5L Engine..........................190
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......191
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................192
Replacement Parts.....................193
Dealer Service........................193
Maintenance Procedures.................194
▫Engine Oil..........................194
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........202
▫Fuel Filter..........................202
▫Air Cleaner Filter.....................202▫Maintenance-Free Battery................203
▫Air Conditioner......................204
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............205
▫Chassis Lubrication....................207
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............207
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............207
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................209
▫Windshield Washers...................209
▫Exhaust System......................210
▫Cooling System.......................210
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......214
▫Brake System........................214
7

Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment in front
of the tire in the right front fender and is accessible
through the engine compartment. The tire and wheel
need not be removed to access the battery.
To access the battery:
1. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right.
2. Remove the battery access panel from the inner fender
shield.
3. Remove the air cleaner.
4. Move the battery into the opening and lift it out.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water. Battery gas is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Don’t use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output greater than 12 volts.
Don’t allow cable clamps to touch each other.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere. The manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recyling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
Power Steering Fluid Check
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for the correct fluid type.
During scheduled maintenance, check the power steering
fluid level at the power steering fluid reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205
7

Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add
fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. See your
dealer or the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section in this manual for the correct
power steering fluid for your vehicle.
2.7L Power Steering Reservoir
3.5L Power Steering Reservoir
206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis Lubrication
Front Suspension Ball Joints
Inspect these ball joints whenever your vehicle is ser-
viced. They are permanently lubricated and do not
require periodic lubrication.
Steering Linkage
Inspect tie rod ends whenever the vehicle is serviced.
They are permanently lubricated and do not require
periodic lubrication.
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 Mechanism 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
7

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7

Use a mild soap and warm water solution to clean vinyl
or leather upholstery. For stubborn stains, use Mopar
Vinyl Cleaner.
Mopar Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
vinyl trim.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
CAUTION!
The use of vinyl, leather or plastic protectants may
cause excessive gloss and/or discoloration of interior
trim parts.
Leather Seat Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as anabrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking the leather
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners
to clean the leather. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condition.
Wooden Steering Wheel Care — If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with a wood steering wheel,
it is finished with a clear topcoat. Please take care to
avoid scratching the surface with sharp or abrasive
materials.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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