Page 174 of 249
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX
markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when
the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX
reading on these engines.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
2.7L Engine Oil Fill
3.5L Engine Oil Fill
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 185 of 249

Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
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Page 240 of 249

Washing............................ 198
Waxing............................. 198
Wheels............................. 199
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 186
Climate Control........................ 114
Clock................................. 93
Coat Hook............................. 52
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 113
Compact Disc Player...................93,98
Compact Spare Tire..................... 139
Compass.............................. 79
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Overhead....................... 70
Contract, Service....................... 230
Cooling System........................ 188
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 189
Coolant Level........................ 190
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 188
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 188
Inspection........................... 188
Points to Remember................... 191
Pressure Cap........................ 189
Radiator Cap........................ 189Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 191
Selection of Coolant................... 189
Corrosion Protection.................... 197
Courtesy Lights......................... 61
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 180
Cruise Light........................... 89
Cup Holder............................ 52
Customer Assistance.................... 228
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 171
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 117
Defroster, Windshield...............48,116,120
Diagnostic System, Onboard.............90,169
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 163
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 188
Engine Oil.......................... 177
Door Ajar Light......................... 89
Door Locks........................14,15,16
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
240 INDEX
Page 241 of 249

Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 178
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 184
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 161
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 129
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency Flashers..................... 152
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 170,180,212
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Block Heater......................... 129
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 172
Compartment.....................167,168
Cooling..........................89,188
Fails to Start......................... 128
Oil ..............................88,172
Oil Change Interval................... 174
Oil Selection......................... 175
Oil Synthetic......................... 177Overheating.......................89,152
Specifications........................ 208
Timing Belt.......................... 180
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,187
Exhaust System........................ 187
Exterior Lights.......................62,204
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Automatic Transaxle................... 197
Engine Fuel......................... 180
Engine Oil.......................... 178
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flat Tire Changing...................... 153
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 208
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fog Lights............................. 63
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 162
Fuel...............................88,143
Adding............................. 146
INDEX 241
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