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.
198 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 199
7
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 235
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
About Your Brakes...................... 141
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 206
Adding Fuel.......................... 164
Aiming Headlights...................... 227
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 196
Air Conditioning....................... 121
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 126
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 200
Air Conditioning System..............121,199
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 152
Airbag................................ 32
Airbag Deployment....................35,36
Airbag Light.....................36,39,48,86
Airbag Maintenance...................... 38
Airbag, Side........................... 37
Airbag, Window......................32,37
Alarm Light............................ 91
Alarm, Panic........................... 20
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 157
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 207
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 206Capacities........................... 227
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 141
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 89
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 214
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Transaxle..................135,211
Filter.............................. 213
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 213
Fluid Level Check..................... 212
Interlock System....................12,136
Reset Mode......................... 137
Selection Of Lubricant................. 212
Shifting............................ 137
Special Additives..................... 213
Autostick............................. 159
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 77
Ball Joints............................ 201
Battery............................... 198
Emergency Starting.................... 179
Gas Caution......................181,199
Heater............................. 134
262 INDEX
Map Reading......................... 62
Oil Pressure.......................... 89
Park............................... 224
Passing............................. 65
Rear Servicing....................226,227
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 91
Security Alarm........................ 22
Service..........................221,222
Service Engine Soon.................... 87
Side Marker......................... 224
Theft Alarm.......................... 91
Turn Signal.....................65,87,224
Voltage.............................. 87
Load Limits........................... 165
Loading Vehicle
Capacities........................... 165
Tires ............................148,165
Locks
Central.............................. 16
Child Protection....................... 18
Door............................... 15
Ignition............................. 11Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 43
Lubricants............................ 201
Luggage/Cargo Capacity................. 165
Maintenance Free Battery................. 198
Maintenance Procedures.................. 192
Maintenance Schedule................... 233
Light Duty Schedule9B9................ 236
Schedule9A9......................... 246
Schedule9B9......................... 236
Malfunction Indicator Light.............87,190
Manual, Service........................ 256
Manual Transaxle....................... 184
Mirrors............................... 55
Electric Remote....................... 55
Outside...........................55,56
Rearview............................ 55
Vanity.............................. 56
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Mopar Parts........................191,256
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 63
268 INDEX
Replacement......................... 156
Rotation............................ 158
Safety...........................144,151
Sizes............................... 145
Snow Tires.......................... 158
Spinning............................ 155
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 156
Towing...........................183,184
Disabled Vehicle...................... 183
Traction Control....................67,86,143
Trailer Towing......................... 165
Minimum Requirements................ 166
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 166
Warnings........................... 165
Transaxle............................. 211
Additives........................... 213
Automatic........................... 211
Filter.............................. 213
Manual............................. 184
Selection of Lubricant.................. 212
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 88
Transmission....................See TransaxleTransmitter Battery Service................ 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 71
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 47
Tread Wear Indicators................... 156
Trip Computer.......................... 91
Trip Odometer.......................... 88
Trunk Release, Emergency...............23,24
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 23
Turn Signals.........................65,87
Underhood Fuses....................... 219
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 258
Universal Transmitter.................... 71
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 209
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 56
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................148,165
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Vinyl Trim............................ 216
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................194,227
272 INDEX