MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine..........................201
2.7L Engine..........................202
Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......203
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................204
Replacement Parts.....................205
Dealer Service........................205
Maintenance Procedures.................206
▫Engine Oil..........................206
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........213
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................213
▫Air Conditioner......................214▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............215
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................216
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............216
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................218
▫Windshield Washers...................218
▫Exhaust System......................219
▫Cooling System.......................220
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224
▫Brakes.............................224
▫Fuel System Hoses....................227
▫Automatic Transmission................227
7
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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”.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, addfluid 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 type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces 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 hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparBrake Fluid DOT 3 Motor Vehicle.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Steering Gear & Linkage, Ball
Joints, Prop Shafts & Yokes, Wheel
BearingsMoparMulti-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filter
and replace if
necessary.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7
liter engine.X
Replace thespark plugs
on the 2.4 liter en-
gine.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.
*‡X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months,
if not done at 100,000 miles.X
SCHEDULE“B”257
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Oil ..........................206,246,247
Oil Change Interval................... 207
Oil Selection......................208,246
Oil Synthetic......................... 209
Overheating......................... 186
Timing Belt.......................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 246
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Exhaust Gas Caution...............44,177,219
Exhaust System........................ 219
Exterior Light Service.................... 240
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 211
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Engine Fuel......................... 211
Engine Oil.......................210,247
Engine Oil Disposal................... 210
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 186
Turn Signal.......................... 92
Flash-To-Pass........................... 71
Flat Tire Changing...................... 188Flexible Fuel Vehicles.................... 181
Cruising Range....................... 183
Engine Oil.......................182,209
Fuel Requirements.................... 181
Maintenance......................... 184
Replacement Parts.................... 184
Starting............................ 183
Floor Console.......................... 57
Fluid, Brake........................... 248
Fluid Capacities........................ 246
Fluid Leaks............................ 45
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 228
Capacities........................... 246
Cooling System....................... 220
Engine Oil.......................... 206
Power Steering....................... 215
Fluids............................... 247
Fog Light Service....................... 243
Fog Lights........................70,93,243
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 197
Fuel................................. 174
Adding............................. 177
282 INDEX
Parking Brake......................... 151
Parking On Hill........................ 152
Passing Light........................... 71
Pets.................................. 43
Pets, Transporting....................... 43
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 161
Power
Brakes............................. 153
Distribution Center.................... 236
Door Locks.......................... 13
Outlet.............................. 82
Seats............................... 63
Steering............................ 155
Steering, Checking.................... 215
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 248
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Preparation for Jacking................... 188
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 27
Programmable Electronic Features.........78,81
Programming Transmitters............18,78,81Radial Ply Tires........................ 167
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 222
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 101
Radio Operation............... 110,115,125,127
Radio Remote Controls.................. 124
Radio (Sound Systems).............102,110,115
Rear Window Defroster.................. 137
Rearview Mirrors........................ 58
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 247
Reformulated Gasoline................... 175
Refrigerant............................ 215
Reminder, Lights On..................... 70
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 28
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 16
Remote Sound System Controls............ 124
Remote Trunk Release.................... 21
Replacement Tires...................... 170
Reporting Safety Defects................. 272
Restraint, Head......................... 65
Restraints, Child........................ 35
Restraints, Occupant..................... 23
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 197
INDEX 287
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