Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............267
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............268
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............268
▫Body Lubrication.....................269
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................269
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............270
▫Exhaust System......................271
▫Cooling System.......................272
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......277
▫Fuel System Connections................277
▫Brake System........................278
▫Automatic Transaxle...................280
▫Manual Transaxle.....................284▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................284
Convertible Top Care....................290
▫Washing............................290
▫General Cleaning.....................290
▫Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....291
▫Cloth Top Protection...................292
▫Weather Strip Care....................292
Fuses...............................292
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . 292
▫Interior Fuses........................295
Vehicle Storage........................297
Replacement Bulbs......................297
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid. MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid. MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Loading Vehicle......................... 227
Tires ............................... 206
Locks
Central.............................. 20
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 19
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Lubrication, Body....................... 269
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 265
Maintenance, General..................... 257
Maintenance Procedures................... 257
Maintenance Schedule
ScheduleA-Non Turbo................. 319
ScheduleA-Turbo..................... 323
ScheduleB.......................... 309
ScheduleB-All Engines................. 309
Maintenance Schedules.................... 306
Malfunction Indicator Light..............133,255Manual Override, Convertible Top..........73,247
Manual, Service......................... 336
Manual Transaxle..................182,191,284
Downshifting......................... 194
Fluid Level Check...................... 284
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 284
Lubricant Selection..................... 284
Master Cylinder......................... 279
Mirrors................................ 75
Compass/Temperature................... 75
Electric Remote........................ 79
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 75
Vanity............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................256,335
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 95
Navigation System....................... 166
348 INDEX
Steering..........................199,268
Steering, Checking..................... 268
Windows............................. 28
Power Steering Fluid..................... 304
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 39
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 39
Programmable Electronic Features.........107,111
Programming Transmitters............23,107,111
Radial Ply Tires......................... 214
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 275
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 135
Radio Operation...................147,153,168
Radio (Sound Systems)...........136,146,153,159
Rear Seat, Folding......................87,88
Rear Window Defroster................... 176
Reclining Front Seats...................... 82Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 303
Refrigerant............................ 268
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 21
Replacement Bulbs....................... 297
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 256
Replacement Tires....................... 217
Reporting Safety Defects................... 335
Restraints, Child.......................49,54
Restraints, Infant......................... 50
Rotation, Tires.......................... 220
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 57
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 58
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 335
Safety Information, Tire................... 201
Safety Tips............................. 57
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 306
350 INDEX