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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine..........................223
m4.0L Engine..........................224
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......225
mEmissions Inspection And
Maintenance Programs
..................226
mReplacement Parts.....................227
mDealer Service........................227
mMaintenance Procedures.................228
NEngine Oil..........................228
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 231
NSpark Plugs.........................232
NCatalytic Converter....................232NEngine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine.........233
NIgnition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine......233
NCrankcase Emission Control System........234
NFuel Filter..........................234
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................234
NMaintenance-Free Battery................234
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............235
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............236
NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................237
NBody Lubrication.....................237
NWindshield Wiper Blades................237
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7
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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.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is 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.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Trailer towing
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operating with E±85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule ªBº of the ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule ªAº of the ªMain-
tenance Schedulesº section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
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Inspect the drive belt for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informationº label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
²Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
²Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Engine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the ignition cables at the intervals described in
the appropriate maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on ªMaintenance Schedule A.º If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on ªMaintenance Schedule B.º
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner
unless it is necessary for repair or maintenance.
Make sure that no one is near the engine compart-
ment before starting the vehicle with the air cleaner
removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Maintenance After Off-Road 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-road usage, completely inspect the under-
body of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension and exhaust system for damage. Check
threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the
chassis, drivetrain components, steering and suspension.
Retighten, if required, to torque values specified in the
Service Manual. Also check for accumulations of vegeta-
tion or brush that could become a fire hazard, or conceal
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts. Check air conditioning drain tube on the
lower dash wall in the engine compartment for mud or
debris, and clean as required. A plugged tube will
adversely affect air conditioning performance.CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants, and lubricate body compo-
nents and steering linkage more often than in nor-
mal service to prevent excessive wear.
FUSE PANEL
Interior Fuses
The fuse panel is located behind the glove box.
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE