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WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check ± 3.7L Engine
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid whenever the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons.NOTE:Whenever the fluid level is checked, especially
on a vehicle used in severe service, the condition of the
fluid should be noted. If the fluid is dark and has a strong
odor, fluid should be changed.
A physical change in the fluid may be the result of
overheating, resulting in fluid degradation. This is pos-
sible in severe service or if the vehicle is equipped with a
non-factory installed air-conditioning unit.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
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5. Remove the dipstick and feel if the fluid is hot or
warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC), the
normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Warm is when
fluid is between 85É and 125ÉF (29É and 52ÉC).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked ªOKº.
b. If the fluid is warm, the reading should be between
the two holes.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Fluid Level Check ± 4.7L/5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF ( 21ÉC) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established atroom temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
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Page 338 of 386
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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
²Check 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 transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
342 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump filter (4.7L/5.7L only).X
SCHEDULE ªBº 345
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Miles 33,000 36,000 39, 000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
346 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Page 347 of 386
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid (4X4).X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.*X
Inspect and replace ignition cables if necessary (5.7L only).X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required. X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid, change filter
(3.7L). This applies only if your vehicle is used for police,
taxi, fleet, or trailer towing.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and change
main sump filter (4.7L/5.7L only).X
Inspect transfer case fluid (4X4).X
SCHEDULE ªBº 347
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