Page 173 of 273
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 173
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Page 218 of 273
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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Page 263 of 273

Saving Feature....................65,66,68
Belts, Drive........................... 200
Belts, Engine.......................... 202
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 207
Brake, Parking......................... 156
Brake System.......................157,214
Anti-Lock........................... 157
Fluid Check......................... 216
Hoses.............................. 215
Master Cylinder...................... 216
Warning Light....................... 112
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........153,154
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 48
Brightness, Interior Lights................. 65
Bulb Replacement...................... 227
Bulbs, Light........................226,227
Calibration, Compass..................... 98
Capacities, Fluid....................... 233
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 171
Car Washes........................220,221
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 171Luggage Carrier...................... 172
Carpeting............................. 221
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 135
Cassette Tape Player............... 114,121,135
Catalytic Converter..................... 200
CD Changer.....................124,129,130
CD Player.................... 119,126,128,134
Central Door Locks...................... 15
Chains, Tire........................... 163
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 177
Charging System Light................... 112
Check Engine Light..................... 111
Checks, Safety.......................... 49
Child Restraint...................41,43,45,46
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........44,45
Child Safety Locks....................... 15
Circuit Breakers........................ 224
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 168
Cleaning
Carpets............................. 221
Cloth.............................. 221
Glass.............................. 223
Headlights.......................... 222
INDEX 263
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