Page 58 of 368

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
Page 219 of 368

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
5
Page 273 of 368

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.7L Engine..........................275
3.5L Engine..........................276
5.7L Engine..........................277
Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......278
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................279
Replacement Parts.....................280
Dealer Service........................280
Maintenance Procedures.................281
▫Engine Oil..........................281
▫Engine Oil Filter......................286▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................286
▫Spark Plugs.........................287
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................287
▫Fuel Filter..........................287
▫Catalytic Converter....................287
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................289
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............290
▫A/C Air Filter.......................291
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............292
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........292
▫Steering Linkage......................292
7
Page 292 of 368

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 type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 299 of 368

Brakes
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 Schedules section of this manual.
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 Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7
Page 321 of 368
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle MoparSAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
Transfer Case MoparSAE 0W40 Oil
Front Axle MoparSAE 75W90 Gear Lubricant
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7
Page 331 of 368
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.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs.5.7L Engine. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.XX
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt
and tensioner. Replace if required.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*‡X
Replace the power steering fluid. X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X
SCHEDULE“B”331
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Page 354 of 368

Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 321
Power Steering....................292,321
Fog Lights..........................94,137
Folding Rear Seat....................... 87
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 270
Fuel................................. 243
Adding............................. 247
Additives........................... 245
Clean Air........................... 243
Filler Cap........................... 247
Filter.............................. 287
Gasoline............................ 243
Gauge............................. 134
Hoses.............................. 301
Octane Rating.....................243,320
Requirements.....................243,319
Tank Capacity........................ 319
Fueling.............................. 247
Fuses................................ 307
Garage Door Opener.................... 107
GasCap .............................. 247Gasoline............................. 243
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 243
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 244
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 134
Fuel............................... 134
Speedometer......................... 134
Tachometer.......................... 134
Gear Ranges.......................... 202
General Information.................15,23,240
Glass Cleaning......................... 306
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 249
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 249
Hands-Free Phone....................... 65
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 256
Head Restraints......................... 86
Headlights
High Beam........................... 95
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 95
Passing............................. 95
Switch.............................. 93
Time Delay........................... 94
354 INDEX