Page 67 of 420

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67
2
Page 328 of 420

NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)—3.5 Liter
Engines
The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendation and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity chart.
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 329 of 420
•SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred. SAE 5W-30 engine
oil is allowed during cold weather only to improve
cold weather starting.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)—3.8 Liter
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your engine
oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to
the Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
7
Page 330 of 420

Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certified and have the recom-
mended SAE viscosity grade. Follow the maintenance
schedule that describes your driving type.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, orgovernmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters 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
This manufacture’s engines have a full-flow type oil filter.
Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service.
Mopar Engine Oil Filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
Drive Belts—Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts should be checked for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 369 of 420
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
3.5 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 engine oil, refer to oil viscosity chart for cor-
rect SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
3.8 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Oil Filter, 3.5/3.8 Liter Engines Mopar5281090 or equiv.
Fuel Selection 89 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7
Page 414 of 420

Occupant Restraints....................... 32
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 287
Odometer............................. 169
Oil, Engine.........................326,369
Capacity............................ 368
Change Interval....................... 327
Checking............................ 326
Disposal............................ 330
Filter............................330,369
Filter Disposal........................ 330
Identification Logo..................... 328
Materials Added to..................... 330
Recommendation...................328,368
Synthetic............................ 330
Viscosity.......................328,329,368
Onboard Diagnostic System..............322,323
Opener, Garage Door..................... 138
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)........... 4
Overdrive............................. 253Overhead Console....................... 137
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 137
Overheating, Engine...................165,301
Owner’s Manual.......................4,400
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Parking Brake.......................... 256
Parking On Hill......................... 257
Passing Light........................... 125
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 133
Pets, Transporting........................ 66
Phone, Cellular.......................... 79
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 79
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 269
Power
Brakes.............................. 258
Distribution Center..................... 359
Door Locks........................... 17
Lift Gate............................. 28
414 INDEX