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Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
•Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds
up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide open throttle acceleration in low gear.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality, energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with the anticipated cli-
matic conditions under which vehicle operation will
occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
discussed in Section 7 under Maintenance Procedures,
Engine Oil.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 359 of 455

Engine Oil Identification (API) Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil.
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your
engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are API Certified
and meet the SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service
schedule that describes your driving type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
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Page 378 of 455

Clutch Linkage
If the clutch pedal linkage begins to squeak or grunt, the
clutch pedal pivot bushings should be lubricated. Refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for the correct lubricant type.
Rear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid Level
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct Fluid type. For normal service,
periodic fluid level checks are not required. When the
vehicle is serviced for other reasons the exterior surfaces
of the axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.
This inspection should be made with the vehicle in a level
position. The fluid level should be even with the bottom
of the fill hole for the Manufacturer’s C205F HD Front
Axles. The fluid level should be 5/8”(16 mm) below on
9 1/4”Manufacturer’s Rear Axles.For all 2500 Model axles, the fluid level should be 1/4”±
1/4”(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25”
Front and 3/4”± 1/4”(19 mm ± 6.4 mm) on 10.5”Rear
axles. The 11.5”Rear Axle level should be 1/4”± 1/4”
(6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole.
Drain and Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or to provide the correct viscosity grade, drain
and refill.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 407 of 455
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) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395. Refer to
oil viscosity chart for alternative grade.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (5.7L) 89 Octane Mid-Grade, (R+M)/2 Method Preferred (87 Octane Acceptable)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
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