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
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dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specificationsand procedures shown in the Service Manual. See the
Consumer Assistance section for information on ordering
a Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Check the
specifications section for the proper type of spark plug
for use in your vehicle.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary. See your dealer for
service.
Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)17 Gallons 64 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.7 & 3.5 Liter Engine 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System*
2.7 Liter Engine 10.5 Qts 10 Liters
3.5 Liter Engine 11 Qts 10.5 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified (GF-3). Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Oil Filter MoparOil Filter
Fuel Selection 89 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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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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About Your Brakes...................... 157
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 112
Accident Damage....................... 221
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 211
Adding Fuel.......................... 170
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 202
Air Conditioning....................137,140
Air Conditioning Controls.............137,140
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 146
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 205
Air Conditioning System................. 204
Air Pressure, Tires...................159,161
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................37,38
Airbag Light....................37,41,49,111
Airbag Maintenance...................... 40
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 167
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 211
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 211
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 157
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 112
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23Appearance Care....................... 220
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Headlights..................67,70
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 65
Automatic Temperature Control............ 140
Automatic Transaxle..................153,217
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 219
Fluid Level Check..................... 218
Reset Mode......................... 154
Selection Of Lubricant................. 217
Shifting............................ 154
Special Additives..................... 219
Backfire, Engine........................ 202
Ball Joints............................ 207
Battery............................182,203
Emergency Starting.................... 182
Gas Caution......................182,203
Jump Starting........................ 182
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................183,203
262 INDEX
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 211
Engine Oil.......................... 199
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................76,81
Drive Belts............................ 200
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 207
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 60
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 185
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 153
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 57
Electronic Speed Control.................. 72
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 176
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 192,202,236
Engine
Backfire............................ 202
Block Heater......................... 153Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 194
Compartment.....................189,190
Cooling.......................... 110,210
Fails to Start......................... 152
Oil .............................109,194
Oil Change Interval................... 197
Oil Selection......................... 198
Oil Synthetic......................... 199
Overheating...................... 110,176
Specifications........................ 232
Timing Belt.......................... 202
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution................49,82,210
Exhaust System........................ 210
Exterior Lights.......................66,227
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 202
Automatic Transaxle................... 219
Engine Fuel......................... 202
Engine Oil.......................... 200
INDEX 265
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