Page 380 of 455

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. Operation of the trans-
mission with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce
the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check the
fluid level whenever the vehicle is serviced.
Fluid Level Check–545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82°C (180°F). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 381 of 455

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two“COLD”(lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the“HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7
Page 408 of 455
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid (G-56) MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Driveshaft Grease Fitting. Use Mopartype MS-6560 (lithium based grease), or equivalent.
Clutch Linkage Multipurpose Grease, NLGI Grade 2 E.P.
Front and Rear Axle Synthetic, GL-5 SAE, 75W-90. Limited-Slip 10.5/11.5 inch Rear AxlesDO
NOT REQUIREa limited slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 412 of 455

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 bottle, brake master
cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Lubricate the driveshaft grease fitting and tie rod end
links.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
412 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 414 of 455
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Inspect brake linings.X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
414 SCHEDULE“B”
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Page 415 of 455
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X XXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Check transfer case fluid level.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
SCHEDULE“B”415
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Page 416 of 455
Miles 33,000 36,000 39,000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Inspect brake linings. X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
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Page 417 of 455
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, or at 3
months, whichever comes first.X X XXX
Lubricate Drive Shaft Fitting. X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X
Lubricate tie rod end links. X X X X X
Drain and refill transfer case fluid.X
Change rear axle fluid.X
Change front axle fluid.X
Change 6-spd manual transmission (G-56) fluid. X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Replace ignition cables.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
SCHEDULE“B”417
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