Page 284 of 386

NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............302
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............303
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............304
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........304
NBody Lubrication.....................304
NWindshield Wiper Blades................305
NWindshield Washers...................305
NExhaust System......................306
NCooling System.......................306
NEmission Related Components............311
NBrake System........................313
NAutomatic Transmission................315
NTransfer Case........................319NAxles..............................319
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........320
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................321
mPower Distribution Center (Fuse/Relay).......325
mFuse Block............................325
mVehicle Storage........................326
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................327
mBulb Replacement......................327
NHeadlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........327
NRear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals And
Backup Lights Ð Replacement............329
NLicense Lights........................333
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........334
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 315 of 386

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).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7
Page 316 of 386

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
Page 317 of 386

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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
7
Page 371 of 386

Axle Lubrication........................ 319
Ball Joints............................. 304
Battery............................... 300
Charging............................ 280
Emergency Starting..................... 280
Gas Caution.......................... 280
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Saving Feature........................ 105
Belts, Drive............................ 297
Belts, Seat.............................. 29
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 304
B-Pillar Location........................ 226
Brake Fluid............................ 338
Brake System........................218,313
Anti-Lock........................... 218
Disc Brakes.......................... 313
Fluid Check.......................... 313
Hoses.............................. 314Master Cylinder....................... 313
Parking............................. 217
Warning Light.....................149,151
Brakes............................... 218
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 203
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 62
Bulb Replacement....................... 327
Bulbs, Light............................ 327
Calibration, Compass..................... 124
Capacities, Fluid........................ 335
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 303
Car Washes............................ 321
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 248
Cargo ................................ 250
Catalytic Converter....................249,299
CD Player..........................155,161
Cellular Phone........................74,179
INDEX 371
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Page 379 of 386

Rearview............................. 70
Vanity............................... 73
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 6
Mopar Parts.........................291,365
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 108
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 62
Occupant Classification System............... 42
Occupant Restraints....................... 28
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 242
Oil, Engine.........................292,337
Capacity............................ 335
Change Interval....................... 294
Dipstick............................. 292
Disposal............................ 296
Filter............................297,337
Filter Disposal........................ 296
Identification Logo..................... 295Materials Added to..................... 296
Recommendation...................295,335
Synthetic............................ 296
Viscosity..........................295,335
Onboard Diagnostic System..............289,290
Opener, Garage Door..................... 126
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 71
Overdrive..........................149,205
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 205
Overhead Console.................... 119,120
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 120
Overheating, Engine...................148,310
Owner's Manual........................ 366
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 217
Parking On Hill......................... 217
Passing Light........................... 109
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 114
INDEX 379
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