Page 304 of 382

NDisconnection and connection.............319
mAutomatic transaxle.....................321
NTo check the fluid level..................322
NProcedure for checking the fluid level.......322
mManual transaxle.......................323
mDisc brake pads, rear drum brake linings
and rear wheel cylinders.................323
mBrake hoses...........................323
mBall joint, steering linkage seal and drive
shaft boots...........................323
mSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)........323
mDoor hinges, rear hatch hinges, hood lock
release mechanism and safety catch
.........324
mExhaust system........................324
mWindshield wiper blades.................325
NWindshield washers....................325
mParking brake.........................326
mDrive belt (for generator, water pump, power
steering pump)
........................327
mTiming belt...........................328
mTi re s................................328
NTire inflation pressures..................328
NRadial ply tires.......................330
N
Tire pressure for sustained high-speed driving...330
NOversize tires........................330
NTire maintenance......................331
NCargo loads..........................331
NTread wear indicators...................331
NTire rotation.........................332
NTire chains...........................333
NSnow tires...........................333
mRegular Maintenance Schedule.............334
mSevere Maintenance Schedule..............343
304 MAINTENANCE
Page 305 of 382
VIEW OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Battery
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transaxle only)7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer reservoir
9. Drive belt
10. Radiator cap
11. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
12. Air cleaner filter
Q02A2510
2.4 liter engine
Q02A2520
3.0 liter engine
MAINTENANCE 305
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Page 317 of 382

Radiator cap
The radiator cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of coolant and engine damage.
WARNING!
Make sure that the engine is thoroughly cooled
down before removing the radiator cap, otherwise
hot steam or boiling coolant may gush from the filler
port and scald you.
Points to remember
1. Do not overfill the reserve tank.
2. A special radiator cap is used to ensure sealing and to
allow the coolant to return from the reserve tank to the
radiator when the engine cools. If cap replacement is
necessary, use the proper cap.
3. Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator using
proper instruments, when it is safe to do so. If antifreeze
is added, the contents of the reserve tank must be
protected against freezing.
4. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.5. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise
normally after engine warm-up, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer to have the thermostat checked, and
replaced if necessary.
BRAKE FLUID
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
should be used. The reservoir cap must be fully tightened
to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact,
mix with, or otherwise contaminate the brake
fluid. Seal damage will result.
²Take care in handling brake fluid as it may cause
damage to painted surfaces.
²Use only the specified brake fluid. Also, the
additives in different brands may result in a
chemical reaction when mixed together, so avoid
mixing different brands if possible.
²Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the
brake fluid from evaporating or absorbing moisture.
MAINTENANCE 317
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Page 318 of 382

CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
To check the clutch fluid
The clutch fluid in the clutch master cylinder should be
checked when performing other underhood services. In
addition, the system should be checked for leakage at the
same time. Check to make certain that the clutch fluid
level is always between the MAX and MIN level mark-
ings on the fluid reservoir and refill the fluid, if necessary.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the clutch system
which should be inspected by an authorized dealer and
repaired immediately.
To replace the fluid
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
should be used.
The reservoir cap must be fully tightened to avoid contami-
nation from foreign matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact,
mix with, or otherwise contaminate the clutch
fluid. Seal damage will result.
²Take care in handling clutch fluid as it may cause
damage to painted surfaces.
²Use only the specified clutch fluid.
Also, the additives in different brands may result
in a chemical reaction when mixed together, so
avoid mixing different brands if possible.
²Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the
clutch fluid from deteriorating due to moisture or
air exposure.
M10A0040
Good
318 MAINTENANCE
Page 322 of 382

To check the fluid level
The fluid level should be checked when the engine
temperature gauge indicates a normal warmed up con-
dition and the fluid in the transaxle is heated to its
normal operating temperature. Operation with an im-
proper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Procedure for checking the fluid level
1. With the parking brake engaged and the engine idling,
select each gear momentarily, ending with the selector
lever in the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position.
2. The fluid level should be at the HOT mark, but never
above the HOT mark when the engine is at its normal
warmed up condition. Add or drain as necessary to bring
the fluid to this prescribed level.
3. Make certain that the dipstick cap is reseated properly
to prevent dirt and water from entering the transaxle.
WARNING!
Transaxle fluid is extremely flammable and poison-
ous. Do not spill fluid when adding or draining.
To add or change the fluid
Use only recommended Mopar ATF+4 automatic trans-
mission fluid to ensure optimum transaxle performance.
M05A0460
Drain plug
322 MAINTENANCE
Page 323 of 382

Special additives
DaimlerChrysler does not recommend the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Add oil to maintain the proper level. Refill or change oil
according to the scheduled maintenance table.
Lubricant Gear Oil Classification GL-4
Viscosity range SAE75W-90 or 75W-85W
DISC BRAKE PADS, REAR DRUM BRAKE
LININGS AND REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS
Proper brakes are essential to safe operation of your
vehicle. Check brake pads and rear brake linings for
wear, and check rear wheel cylinders for leakage.
For proper braking performance, replace brake pads with
original equipment type pads.
BRAKE HOSES
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:
1. Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
casing of the hose is exposed by cracks or abrasions in therubber hose cover, the hose should be replaced. Deterio-
ration of the hose could cause brake failure.
2. Faulty installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire
or chassis interference.
BALL JOINT, STEERING LINKAGE SEAL AND
DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS
Check the following parts for damage and grease leak-
age:
1. Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering
linkage
2. Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The entire SRS system must be inspected by an autho-
rized dealer 10 years after the vehicle manufacture date
shown on the certification label. [See ªSRS servicingº on
page 98.]
MAINTENANCE 323
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Page 334 of 382
REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The content and mileage interval can vary depending on
model.
!6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!12,000 Miles (19 000 km) or at 12 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
334 MAINTENANCE
Page 335 of 382
!18,000 Miles (29 000 km) or at 18 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 335
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