
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
7

²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) 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 Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(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.
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 behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling. 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 immedi-
ately 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.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening. If a ªfast chargerº is used
while the battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both
vehicle battery cables before connecting the charger
to battery. Do not use a ªfast chargerº to provide
starting voltage as battery damage can result.
Air Conditioner
Check the air conditioning system at the start of the
warm weather season.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean with
a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
²Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
238 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

About Your Brakes...................... 142
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 208
Adding Fuel.......................... 164
Aiming Headlights...................... 232
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 198
Air Conditioning....................... 122
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 126
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 202
Air Conditioning System..............122,201
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 153
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 32
Airbag Light.....................32,34,43,87
Airbag Maintenance...................... 34
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System........................19,92
Alignment and Balance.................. 158
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 209
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 208
Capacities........................... 232
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 142
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 90Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 19
Appearance Care....................... 216
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks.................... 14
Automatic Transaxle...............135,186,213
Filter.............................. 215
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 215
Fluid Level Check..................... 214
Interlock System....................10,136
Reset Mode......................... 137
Selection Of Lubricant................. 214
Shifting............................ 137
Special Additives..................... 215
Autostick............................. 160
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 78
Ball Joints............................ 203
Battery............................... 200
Emergency Starting.................... 181
Gas Caution......................183,201
Heater............................. 134
Jump Starting........................ 181
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 18
260 INDEX

Oil Pressure.......................... 90
Park............................... 228
Passing............................. 67
Reading............................. 64
Rear Servicing....................... 230
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 91
Security Alarm........................ 19
Service..........................225,226
Service Engine Soon.................... 88
Theft Alarm.......................... 92
Turn Signal.......................... 67
Voltage.............................. 88
Loading Vehicle........................ 166
Capacities........................... 166
Tires ............................... 149
Locks
Central.............................. 13
Door............................... 12
Ignition.............................. 9
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................37,38
Lubricants............................ 203
Luggage/Cargo Capacity................. 166Maintenance Free Battery................. 200
Maintenance Procedures.................. 194
Maintenance Schedule................... 236
Light Duty Schedule9B9................ 239
Schedule9A9......................... 246
Schedule9B9......................... 239
Malfunction Indicator Light............... 192
Manual, Service........................ 255
Manual Transaxle....................139,186
Mirrors............................... 56
Electric Remote....................... 57
Exterior Folding....................... 57
Outside............................. 57
Rearview............................ 56
Vanity.............................. 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................193,255
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 66
Occupant Restraints...................... 22
Odometer............................. 89
Tampering........................... 89
Trip ................................ 89
266 INDEX

Traction Control....................70,87,144
Trailer Towing......................... 166
Minimum Requirements................ 166
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 166
Warnings........................... 166
Transaxle............................. 213
Additives........................... 215
Automatic.......................... 213
Filter.............................. 215
Manual..........................139,186
Selection of Lubricant.................. 214
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 89
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 73
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 15
Tread Wear Indicators................... 157
Trip Computer.......................... 92
Trip Odometer.......................... 89
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................67,88Underhood Fuses....................... 223
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 257
Universal Transmitter.................... 73
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 149
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 218
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................196,232
Voltmeter.............................. 88
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 14
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 174
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................68,205
Washing Vehicle........................ 217
Waxing and Polishing................... 217
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 158
Wind Buffeting......................... 22
270 INDEX