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WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
ªDaimlerChrysler Dealership.º
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer's recommended
fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
U-joints (cardan joints) are sealed and do not require
lubrication. Prop shafts, yokes, ball joints and other
driveline and steering components may be provided with
grease fittings for lubrication. Lubrication of these com-
ponents at the intervals specified in the appropriate
ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 is very important,
particularly if your vehicle is subjected to off-road or
other heavy-duty use. See your authorized dealer for
complete service information.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
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Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing 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.
Refer to the appropriate ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
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, tears,
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cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion 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.
NOTE:Often fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily 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 when-
ever 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.
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WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm. Do not
use gasoline, turpentine, kerosene, etc. for cleaning.
Use the Mopartrecommended products or the
equivalents.
Carpet
Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent a soil build-up.
Shampoo soiled carpet with a reliable upholstery cleaner,
using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush. After carpet
dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Maintenance After Off-Pavement Driving
After extended operation in mud, sand or water, or
similar dirty conditions, have your brake drums, brake
linings, and axle joints inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. This will prevent any abrasive material from
causing excessive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Following off-pavement usage, completely inspect the
underbody of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure,
steering, suspension and exhaust system for damage.
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering and suspen-
sion. Retighten, if required, to torque values specified in
the Service Manual. Also check for accumulations of
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vegetation or brush that could become a fire hazard, or
conceal damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion
seals, and propeller shafts.
CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants and lubricate body compo-
nents, all driveline joints and steering linkage more
often than in normal service to prevent excessive
wear.
FUSE PANEL
Interior Fuses
The fuse panel is on the lower instrument panel just to
the left of the steering column. A label is stamped on the
fuse panel cover to identify each fuse for ease of replace-
ment.
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Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case Selec-Trac Models - MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Quadra-Trac
Models - MopartTransfer Case Fluid (P/N 05016796)
Axle Differential (front-rear) MopartSynthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent of SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) if
equipped with a Vari-Loktfront axle. MopartGear Lubricant or equivalent of
SAE 80W-90 (API-GL5) if not equipped with a Vari-Loktfront axle. Mopart
Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent of SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) if equipped
with a Dana M35 or M44 Vari-Loktrear axle. MopartGear Lubricant or
equivalent of SAE 80W-90 (API-GL5) if equipped with a Dana M44 rear axle
without Vari-Lokt. For trailer towing applications, use a SAE 75W-140 Syn-
thetic Gear Lubricant in rear axle. Vari-Loktequipped axles require a friction
modifier additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid (MS-5931)
Ball Joints, Prop Shafts, U-Joints,
Yokes, & Wheel BearingsMopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if nec-
essary.X
Lubricate the upper knuckle ball stud at steering &
suspension ball joints.XX
Drain and refill the front and rear axles. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Clean and lubricate the brake caliper pins. X
300 SCHEDULE ªBº
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