MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Turbo Charged Engine Compartment....141
Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......142
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................143
Replacement Parts.....................144
Dealer Service........................144
Maintenance Procedures.................145
▫Engine Oil..........................145
▫Ignition Wiring System.................151
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........151
▫Fuel Filter..........................151
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............151▫Maintenance-Free Battery................152
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............153
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............154
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............154
▫Body Lubrication.....................155
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................155
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......156
▫Windshield Washer Aiming..............156
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............156
▫Exhaust System......................156
▫Cooling System.......................157
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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:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
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
should be replaced to prevent leakage or grease contami-
nation.
154 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
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 surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, 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.
162 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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)
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar 4781452AA or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 91 Octane.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Manual Transmission Fluid MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Plus 4 oz. Mopar Limited
Slip Additive Friction Modifier.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
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Manual, Service........................ 200
Manual Transaxle..................95,98,164
Fluid Level Check..................... 164
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 164
Lubricant Selection.................... 164
Map/Reading Lights..................... 54
Master Cylinder........................ 163
Mirrors............................... 49
Electric Remote....................... 50
Outside............................. 49
Rearview............................ 49
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................144,200
Multi-Function Control Lever.............56,57
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Odometer
Trip ................................ 72
Oil, Engine.........................145,176
Capacity............................ 176
Change Interval...................... 146
Checking........................... 145
Disposal............................ 148Filter.............................. 149
Identification Logo.................... 148
Materials Added to.................... 148
Quality............................. 148
Recommendation..................147,176
Synthetic........................... 148
Viscosity............................ 148
Oil Pressure Light....................... 70
Onboard Diagnostic System............142,143
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 89
Overheating, Engine..................... 128
Owner’s Manual......................4,200
Paint Care............................ 165
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 100
Passing Light........................... 57
Pets.................................. 44
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 108
Power
Door Locks.......................... 14
Steering.........................103,154
210 INDEX
Steering, Checking.................... 154
Sunroof............................. 60
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 177
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Preparation for Jacking................... 130
Programming Transmitters................. 19
Radial Ply Tires........................ 115
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 74
Radio Operation........................ 75
Radio, Satellite.......................... 80
Radio (Sound Systems).................74,75
Rear Window Defroster................... 90
Reclining Front Seats..................... 51
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 177
Reformulated Gasoline................... 121
Refrigerant............................ 154
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 18
Remote Trunk Release.................... 17
Replacement Bulbs...................... 173
Replacement Keys....................... 11Replacement Parts...................... 144
Replacement Tires...................... 117
Reporting Safety Defects................. 200
Rotation, Tires......................... 120
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 46
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 46
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 200
Safety Information, Tire.................. 104
Safety Tips............................. 45
Satellite Radio.......................... 80
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 83
Schedule, Maintenance................... 180
Seat Belts.............................. 23
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 27
And Pregnant Women.................. 29
Child Restraint........................ 38
Extender............................ 30
Front Seat............................ 23
Maintenance......................... 169
Rear Seat............................ 23
Untwisting Procedure................... 28
Seats................................. 50
INDEX 211
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