
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine has been shut off, or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading
on these engines.
2.4L Engines
3.7L Engines
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

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 areapparent, 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.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180É F
(82É C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70É F (21É
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Off-road or desert driving.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule ªB.º
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule ªB.º
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
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, add as required.
Once a Month
²Check the 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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 331
8
M
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A
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Jump Starting......................... 279
Tow Hooks.......................... 281
Emission Control System Maintenance......288,330
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 297
Block Heater......................... 212
Break-In Recommendations................ 68
Checking Oil Level..................... 290
Compartment......................285,286
Compartment Identification............285,286
Cooling............................. 303
Fails to Start.......................... 211
Flooded, Starting...................... 211
Fuel Requirements..................259,326
Jump Starting......................... 279
Malfunction Indicator................... 152
Oil ..............................290,326
Oil Change Interval.................... 292
Oil Disposal.......................... 294Oil Filter............................ 294
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 294
Oil Selection.......................293,326
Overheating.......................... 273
Starting............................. 210
Temperature Gauge..................... 153
Timing Belt.......................... 297
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 293
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 17
Exhaust Gas Caution...................... 68
Exhaust System......................... 302
Exterior Finish Care...................... 316
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 297
Engine Oil........................... 294
Finish Care............................ 316
362 INDEX

Odometer............................. 154
Trip ................................ 154
Off-Pavement Driving..................236,319
Off-Road Driving........................ 319
Oil, Engine............................ 290
Capacity............................ 326
Change Interval....................... 292
Checking............................ 290
Dipstick............................. 290
Identification Logo..................... 293
Materials Added to..................... 294
Pressure Warning Light.................. 155
Recommendation...................293,326
Viscosity..........................293,326
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 294
Oil Pressure Light....................... 155
Onboard Diagnostic System..............287,288
Opener, Garage Door..................... 125
Organizer, Cargo........................ 140Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 76
Overhead Console....................... 110
Overheating, Engine...................... 273
Owner's Manual........................ 354
Paint Care............................. 315
Paint Damage.......................... 315
Panic Alarm............................ 25
Parking Brake.......................... 232
Passing Light........................... 101
PCV Valve............................ 297
Pets.................................. 67
Phone, Cellular.......................... 78
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 78
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 244
Polishing and Waxing..................... 316
Power
Distribution Center..................... 323
Door Locks........................... 21
368 INDEX