Page 260 of 374

WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
²
For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose ª4º if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose ª3º or ª2º if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
²Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 282 of 374

NSteering Linkage......................301
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............301
NBody Lubrication.....................301
NWindshield Wiper Blades................301
NWindshield Washers...................302
NExhaust System......................302
NCooling System.......................303
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......307
NBrakes.............................307
NBrake Fluid Level Check................309
NFuel System Hoses....................310
NAutomatic Transmission................310
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........311
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................311NCleaning The Center Console Cup
Holders Ð 300.......................315
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders Ð
300C, 300 Touring.....................315
mPower Distribution Centers...............315
NFront Power Distribution Center...........315
NRear Power Distribution Center...........318
mVehicle Storage........................321
mReplacement Light Bulbs................322
mBulb Replacement......................323
NLow Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
Park/Turn Lamp, Inner Park Lamp, And Outer
Park Lamp ± 300......................323
NLow Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp ± 300C.............324
NBackup Lamp, Side Marker Lamp, And
Tail/Stop Turn Lamp Ð 300..............326
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 287 of 374

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!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
7
Page 302 of 374
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and should be checked for fluid
level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and oper-
ate the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 309 of 374

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 Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments 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 manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
²Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPAR DOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
7
Page 316 of 374

CAUTION!
²When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
Front Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 20 Amp
YellowLeft High Beam Headlight
2 20 Amp
YellowRight High Beam Headlight
3 15 Amp
Dk. BlueAdjustable Pedal
4 20 Amp
YellowHorn
5 25 Amp
ClearHeadlamp Washer Ð If
Equipped
6 15 Amp
Dk. BlueFront Control Module (FCM)
7 20 Amp
YellowFog Lamp
8 15 Amp
Dk. BluePark Lamp
9 15 Amp
Dk. BlueNon ABS Brakes
10 5 Amp
OrangeStarter
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 317 of 374
Cavity Fuse Circuits
11 15 Amp
Dk. BlueAuto Shutdown/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
12ÐÐ
13ÐÐ
14 20 Amp
YellowPowertrain Control Module
15 20 Amp
YellowInjectors, Ignition Coils
16 20 Amp
YellowPowertrain Control Module
17 30 Amp
PinkAntilock Brake System (ABS)
Valves
18 30 Amp
PinkWindshield Wiper/Washer
19 50 Amp
RedRadiator FanCavity Fuse Circuits
20 20 Amp
Lt. BlueStarter
21 50 Amp
RedABS Pump Motor
22 40 Amp
GreenRadiator Fan High/Low
23 50 Amp
RedHigh Intensity Lighting
24ÐÐ
25 30 Amp
PinkLighting Left High Beam/
Right Low Beam
26 20 Amp
Lt. BlueTransmission
27 30 Amp
PinkLighting Left Low Beam/
Right High Beam
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
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Page 320 of 374
Cavity Fuse Circuits
14 10 Amp
RedSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Cluster
15 20 Amp
YellowBrake Light (5.7L)
16 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet Trunk - if
equipped
17ÐÐ
18 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp
RedStop Lamp
20 20 Amp
YellowRear Wiper Ð If Equipped
21ÐÐ
22ÐÐ
23ÐÐ
24ÐÐ
25ÐÐ
26ÐÐ
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion ModuleCavity Fuse Circuits
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Powertrain Control
Module Ignition Feed
30 10 Amp
RedSteering Column Module/
Power Mirrors - if equipped
31ÐÐ
32ÐÐ
33ÐÐ
34ÐÐ
35 5 Amp
OrangePower Antenna/Garage Door
Opener/Ignition Delay
36 20 Amp
YellowRadio/Navigation
37 15 Amp
Dk. BlueTransmission
38 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Garage Door
Opener
39 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirror
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE