2004 DODGE INTREPID power steering

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................127
▫Normal Starting......................127
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................127
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................128
▫After Starting........................129
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................129
Automatic Transaxle....................129
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............129
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................130
▫Gear Ranges.........................130
Parking Brake.........................132
Brake System.........................134
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................134
Power Steering........................135
Traction Control— If Equipped............135
Ti re s................................136
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................137
▫High Speed Operation..................138
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................138
▫Compact Spare Tire....................139
▫Tire Spinning........................140
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All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the ABS computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
WARNING!
Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec-
tiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when
you need to slow down or stop.
POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering as
standard equipment. The power assisted steering system
of your vehicle provides mechanical steering capability
in the event power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction while spinning. The traction
system operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
STARTING AND OPERATING 135
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.7L Engine..........................167
3.5L Engine..........................168
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......169
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................170
Replacement Parts.....................171
Dealer Service........................171
Maintenance Procedures.................172
▫Engine Oil..........................172
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........180
▫Fuel Filter..........................180
▫Air Cleaner Filter.....................180▫Maintenance-Free Battery................181
▫Air Conditioner......................182
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............183
▫Chassis Lubrication....................184
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............184
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............184
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................186
▫Windshield Washers...................186
▫Exhaust System......................187
▫Cooling System.......................188
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......191
▫Brake System........................192
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Power Steering Fluid Check
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended power steer-
ing fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for the correct fluid type.
During scheduled maintenance, check the power steering
fluid level at the power steering fluid reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, addfluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. See your
dealer for the correct power steering fluid for your
vehicle.
2.7L Power Steering Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 183
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Chassis Lubrication
Front Suspension Ball Joints
Inspect these ball joints whenever your vehicle is ser-
viced. They are permanently lubricated and do not
require periodic lubrication.
Steering Linkage
Inspect tie rod ends whenever the vehicle is serviced.
They are permanently lubricated and do not require
periodic lubrication.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has four constant velocity universal joints.
Periodic lubrication of these joints is not required. How-
ever, the joint boots should be inspected for external
leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
If leakage or damage is evident, replace the universal
joint boot and grease immediately.
Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Body and other operating mechanisms and linkages
should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, as required,
to maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear.
Before the application of any lubricant, the parts con-
cerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit;
after lubricating, excess oil or grease should be removed.
3.5L Power Steering Reservoir
184 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an
indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation)
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be
needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genu-
ine Parts section for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified (GF-3). Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Oil Filter MoparOil Filter
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (front-rear) MoparHypoid Gear Lubricant (SAE 80W-90). Do not use Synthetic Gear
Lubricants.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT-3 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door pillar.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209
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