Page 221 of 299

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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Page 231 of 299

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
authorized dealer, service station, or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of the manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopartengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º check all drive belts for condition and proper
tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage
and failure.
4.0L Engines
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
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Page 234 of 299

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
Page 265 of 299

Schedule ªBº
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Excessive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips 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)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
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 filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X
SCHEDULE ªBº 265
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Page 266 of 299
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary.LX
Replace the spark plugs.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
266 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Page 267 of 299
Miles 33,000 36,000 39,000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. X
SCHEDULE ªBº 267
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Page 268 of 299
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary.LX
Inspect the ignition cables, and replace if neces-
sary (2.4L Only).X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X X
Drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid,
and change filter.X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously.X
Drain and refill the transfer case fluid. X
268 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Page 269 of 299
Miles 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000 75,000
(Kilometers) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 269
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