Page 243 of 341
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L High Output Turbo Engine Compartment . . 246
m2.4L Engine Compartment................247
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........248
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................249
mReplacement Parts......................250
mDealer Service.........................250
mMaintenance Procedures..................251
NEngine Oil..........................251NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 256
NSpark Plugs.........................256
NIgnition Wiring System.................256
NCatalytic Converter....................256
NEngine Timing Belt....................258
NCrankcase Emission Control System........258
NFuel Filter..........................258
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............258
NMaintenance-Free Battery................259
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Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certified and SAE viscosity
standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your
driving type.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact yourdealer, 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 of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
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Page 258 of 341

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
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 mayaccumulate 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 filter replacement may be necessary. The fuel
filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your dealer for
service.
Air Cleaner Element (Filter)
Under normal driving conditions, replace the filter at the
intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you drive
the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe conditions,
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 259 of 341
the filter element should be inspected periodically and
replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule
ªBº.
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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
CAUTION!
When servicing the battery, always reinstall the
battery thermowrap. The thermowrap provides bat-
tery heat protection and will extend overall battery
life. Failure to reinstall the thermowrap can result in
evaporative loss of the battery fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 259
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2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; next to the air cleaner filter. A label iden-
tifying the components and circuits is located on the
underside of the cover.
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 298 of 341
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Non±Turbo Charged Engine then
change your engine oil at every interval shown on
schedule ªAºÐNON TURBO CHARGED ENGINES in
the maintenance schedule section of this manual.If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Turbo Charged Engine change your
engine oil at every interval shown on schedule
ªAºÐTURBO CHARGED ENGINES in the maintenance
schedule section of this manual.
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000) (29 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect theengine air cleaner filter.Replace
as necessary.*X
Inspect thePCV make-up air filter.Replace as
necessary.X
298 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000) (53 000) (58 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*X
Replace thePCV make-up air filter.X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 299
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Miles 39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000
( Kilometers) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the brake fluid. If vehicle is used for
trailer towing.X
Inspect theengine air cleaner filter.Replace
as necessary.*X
Change the manual transaxle fluid.² X
Inspect thePCV make-up air filter.Replace as
necessary.X
300 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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