may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel
(AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet
the manufacturer's standard.
CAUTION!
If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using
E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly.
This may void your warranty.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a growing number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you choose
to use such a product, useonlythose oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) and SAE viscosity
standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your
driving type.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) toengine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
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 your
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
7
Drive Belts Ð 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 specifications
and procedures shown in the 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 specified mileage. 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.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. 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 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.
Engine 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.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if carrying an
excessive amount of weight in the trunk, rear seats or
pulling a trailer. To readjust the headlights first mark the
position of the headlights on a wall prior to loading the
vehicle. Load the vehicle and then readjust the headlights
to the original position. If any further adjustments are
necessary contact your manufacturer's dealer. A detailed
service procedure is contained in the manufacturer's
Service Manual. Information on purchasing a Service
Manual can be found at the back of this Owner's Manual.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2.4 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
2.7 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)8 qts. 7.5 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)9.5 qts. 9.0 Liters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/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 under the engine
hood.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) MopartOil Filter (P/N 4105409) or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L Engine) MopartOil Filter (P/N 5281090) or equivalent.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartBrake Fluid DOT 3 Motor Vehicle.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Steering Gear & Linkage, Ball
Joints, Prop Shafts & Yokes, Wheel
BearingsMopartMulti-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº 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 anL.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If 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 ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
SCHEDULE ªBº 239
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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
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 184
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 78
Electronic Speed Control.................. 70
Emergency Brake....................... 141
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 176
Emergency Trunk Release...............20,21
Emission Control System Maintenance....192,236
Engine............................189,190
Block Heater......................... 134
Break-In Recommendations............... 42
Checking Oil Level.................... 194
Compartment.....................189,190
Cooling............................ 207
Oil .............................194,232
Oil Change Interval................... 195
Oil Selection......................... 196
Oil Synthetic......................... 197
Overheating......................... 174
Timing Belt.......................... 200
Engine Oil Viscosity..................196,232Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 196
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 206
Exhaust System........................ 206
Exterior Light Service.................... 226
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 198
Automatic Transaxle................... 215
Engine Fuel......................... 198
Engine Oil.......................... 197
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 174
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 170
Engine Oil.......................... 196
Maintenance......................... 171
Replacement Parts.................... 171
Starting............................ 170
Fluid Capacities........................ 232
Fluid Leaks............................ 43
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 214
INDEX 263
10