Page 249 of 360
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment............252
2.4L Engine Compartment................253
Onboard Diagnostic System—OBDII........254
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................255
Replacement Parts......................256
Dealer Service.........................256
Maintenance Procedures..................257
▫Engine Oil..........................257▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And Tension . . 261
▫Spark Plugs.........................262
▫Ignition Wiring System.................262
▫Catalytic Converter....................262
▫Engine Timing Belt....................264
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........264
▫Fuel Filter..........................264
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............264
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................265
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Page 255 of 360

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
7
Page 256 of 360

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnot
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminatedduring normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
256 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 265 of 360

NOTE:For vehicles with a Turbo engine, a small
amount of oil accumulation in the air cleaner box is
normal. The amount will depend on driving style. The air
cleaner box should be cleaned out and a new make-up-
air filter element should be installed during the normal
air filter maintenance procedure.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
CAUTION!
When servicing the battery, always reinstall the
battery thermowrap. The thermowrap provides bat-
tery heat protection and will extend overall battery
life. Failure to reinstall the thermowrap can result in
evaporative loss of the battery fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
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WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.
If a“fast charger”is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger”to provide starting voltage as battery
damage can result.
266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 297 of 360

CAUTION!
When 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 continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:
•Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Center Console Floor Lamp................. T37
Climate Controls......................6233137
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Cruise Indicator....................... VFD*
Deck Lid Ajar Indicator................... LED
Dome Light (Sport Bar Lights)..............T904
Door Ajar Indicator..................... VFD*
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................... 74
Instrument Cluster Illumination.............. 74
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror).....T192
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
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Page 308 of 360

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
308 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 341 of 360

Back-Up Lights......................... 301
Ball Joints............................. 268
Battery............................... 265
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Belts, Drive............................ 261
Belts, Engine........................... 264
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 269
Boot, Convertible Top...................68,72
B-Pillar Location........................ 206
Brake Fluid............................ 304
Brake, Parking.......................... 195
Brake System........................197,278
Anti-Lock........................... 198
Hoses.............................. 278
Master Cylinder....................... 279
Parking............................. 195
Warning Light........................ 130
Brakes.............................197,278
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 186Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 56
Bulb Replacement.....................297,299
Bulbs, Light............................ 297
Calibration, Compass...................... 78
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 302
Capacities, Fluid........................ 302
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 225
Oil (Engine)....................252,253,260
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 275
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 224
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 167
Cassette Tape Player................136,146,149
Catalytic Converter...................... 262
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 57
CD Changer......................145,151,157
CD Player..................142,153,155,159,162
CD Player Maintenance................... 168
INDEX 341
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