Page 189 of 280
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.2L SRT Engine.......................191
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......192
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................193
Replacement Parts.....................194
Dealer Service........................194
Maintenance Procedures.................195
▫Engine Oil..........................195
▫Ignition Wiring System.................201
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........201
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................201
▫Air Conditioner......................202▫Power Steering Fluid...................203
▫Chassis Lubrication....................204
▫Body Lubrication.....................204
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................205
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......205
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............206
▫Exhaust System......................207
▫Cooling System.......................208
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......211
▫Brakes.............................211
▫Automatic Transmission................214
7
Page 205 of 280
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
Driver’s Door Lock Cylinder
The driver’s door lock cylinder should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a
small amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder
(avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner, or use the washer solvent.
This will remove accumulations of salt or road film and
help reduce streaking and smearing.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. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
2. Rotate the blade 45 degrees to gain access to the
release tab.
3. Push the release tab as shown in the illustration and
slide the wiper blade assembly down along the arm.
Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205
7
Page 232 of 280
•If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, remove the battery and store it in a dry, well-
ventilated place. If the vehicle is not going to be driven
in the next three weeks, follow the battery recharge
procedure in the Service Manual, then disconnect the
battery at the negative terminal.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control sys-
tem to lose memory of some“learned”functions. The
engine may run rough when first started after a battery
disconnect until the control module“relearns”these
functions.Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that
the voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below 12.40,
follow the battery recharge procedure in the Service
Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 243 of 280
SCOPE OF WORK FOR“B”SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Change
•Change oil and replace filter
Maintenance
•Rotate tires
•Replace dust filter
•Lubricate hood hinges, latch, and secondary latch
•Reset FSS Display
Function Check
•Horn, hazard warning flashers, turn signals, and indi-
cator lamps
•Headlamps and exterior lighting
•Windshield wipers and washer system
•Check seat belts for damage and proper function
•Test hydraulic brakes and check parking brake func-
tionInspection
•Check front and rear brake pads for lining thickness
•Check condition of front and rear brake discs
•Check tires for damage and general condition
•Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
•Check major underbody components for leakage or
damage (if there are signs of leakage, determine cause
and repair)
•Check condition of front axle ball joints and rubber
boots
•Check condition of steering components and rubber
boots
•Check underhood components for leakage or damage
(if there are signs of leakage determine cause and
repair)
•Check condition of accessory drive belt
•Check headlamp aiming, adjust if necessary
•Check windshield wiper blades, replace if necessary
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 243
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Page 273 of 280
Pressure Label....................... 149
Pressure Monitor System.............80,151
Quality Grading...................... 256
Replacement......................... 155
Rotation............................ 156
Safety............................... 48
Sizes............................... 256
Snow Tires.......................... 154
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 155
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,181
Towing.............................. 178
Disabled Vehicle...................... 178
Trailering........................... 163
Towing Eyes.......................... 179
Traction.............................. 177
Trailer Towing......................... 163
Transmission
Automatic........................131,214
Fluid.............................. 214
Shifting............................ 131
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19Turn Signals........................... 75
Umbrella Hook......................... 94
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 256
Universal Transmitter..................90,93
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 162
Vehicle Storage......................... 231
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 17
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 252
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 206
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 216
Windows
Power.............................. 21
Windshield Defroster..................... 48
Windshield Washers..................... 77
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 205
Windshield Wipers...................... 77
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 205
Wiring, Ignition........................ 201
INDEX 273
10