Page 235 of 424

Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch (TCC) will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm (usually after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving)
and the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h). To understand the difference in operation,
drive the vehicle so that TCC engagement conditions
are correct, and then press and release the “O/D OFF”
button once to disengage the TCC. Wait a few seconds,
and then press and release the “O/D OFF” button
again to engage the TCC. You will notice that the
engine runs at a higher RPM when driving at vehicle
speeds above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h) with
the TCC not engaged. This is a normal condition.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
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Page 285 of 424
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
•Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule “B” for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation.
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Page 304 of 424

▫Maintenance-Free Battery................320
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............321
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............322
▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................322
▫Body Lubrication.....................323
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................323
▫Windshield Washers...................324
▫Exhaust System......................324
▫Cooling System.......................325
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......330
▫Brake System........................330
▫Automatic Transmission................333▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid —
Manual Transmission..................335
▫Manual Transmission..................335
▫Transfer Case........................336
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................337
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................337
Fuse Panel...........................342
▫Interior Fuses........................342
▫Underhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............345
Vehicle Storage........................349
Replacement Bulbs......................350
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 333 of 424

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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Page 334 of 424

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check – 3.7L Gasoline Engine (42RLE)
and 2.8L Diesel Engine (545RFE)
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 358 of 424
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MoparManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Axle Differential (Front) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) MoparSynthetic Gear Lubricant (SAE 75W-90) or equivalent. For trailer
towing, the lubricant should be replaced with MoparSynthetic Gear &
Axle Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-
Lok™ require a limited-slip additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 367 of 424
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000) (91 000) (96 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at
3 months.XXXXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if necessary.X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Inspect and replace the PCV valve, if necessary. X
Replace the ignition cables (2.4L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X X
Drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid, and replace
main sump filter.†X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. Not required if
belt was previouslyX
Drain and refill the transfer case fluid. X
Flush and replace the engine coolant/anti-freeze at 60
months, if not done at 102,000 miles (163 000 km).X
SCHEDULE “B” — GASOLINE ENGINES 367
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at
3 months.XXXXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if necessary.X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Inspect and replace the PCV valve, if necessary. X
Replace the ignition cables (2.4L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X X
Drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid, and replace
main sump filter.†X
SCHEDULE “B” — GASOLINE ENGINES 371
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