Page 232 of 352
NOTE:Refer to “Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for axle differential lubrica-
tion specifications for towing.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu-
tral) for recreational towing.
Shifting Into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de-
press clutch pedal on manual transmission.
3. Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
4. Start engine.
232 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 242 of 352

JUMP STARTING
WARNING!
To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery
vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work-
ing with batteries. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source that has a greater than
12–volt system, i.e. do not use a 24–volt power
source.
Your vehicle is equipped with a 12–volt battery. If it
becomes necessary to use a booster battery, with jumper
cables, to start the vehicle’s engine because it’s battery is
discharged, the following procedure should be followed:Set the parking brake, place an automatic transmission in
P (Park) (or N (Neutral) for a manual transmission). Turn
off lights, heater, and other electrical loads. Observe
charge indicator in the battery. If indicator is light or
yellow, replace the battery.
CAUTION!
Use the “Jump Starting” procedure only when the
charge indicator is dark in the center. Do not attempt
jump starting when the battery charge indicator is
bright or yellow. If the charge indicator is dark and
has a green dot in the center, failure to start is not
due to a discharged battery and the cranking system
should be checked.
242 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 246 of 352

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............262
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............263
▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................264
▫Body Lubrication.....................264
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................265
▫Windshield Washers...................265
▫Exhaust System......................266
▫Cooling System.......................266
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......271
▫Brake System........................272
▫Automatic Transmission................274
▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission........................276▫Manual Transmission..................276
▫Transfer Case........................277
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................278
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................279
Fuse Panel...........................286
▫Interior Fuses........................286
▫Underhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............288
Vehicle Storage........................290
Replacement Bulbs — If Equipped...........290
Bulb Replacement......................291
▫Head Light..........................291
▫Front Park/Turn Signal.................292
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 247 of 352
▫Front Side Marker.....................292
▫Front Fog Light......................292
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Back-Up
Lights.............................294
▫Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . . 294Fluid Capacities........................295
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................296
▫Engine.............................296
▫Chassis............................297
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 247
7
Page 263 of 352

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information Book for
additional warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7
Page 264 of 352

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
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.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
U-joints (cardan joints) are sealed and do not require
lubrication. Prop shafts, yokes, ball joints and other
driveline and steering components may be provided with
grease fittings for lubrication. Lubrication of these com-
ponents at the intervals specified in the appropriate“Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 is very important,
particularly if your vehicle is subjected to off-road or
other heavy-duty use. See your authorized dealer for
complete service information.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 265 of 352

amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator anti-
freeze) rated not to freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
Page 267 of 352

system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser
(if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
antifreeze/coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap
is sealing properly, the antifreeze/coolant will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System — Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate “Maintenance
Schedule,” the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze/coolant solution.
Discard old antifreeze/coolant solution according to rec-
ommended procedure.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended antifreeze/
coolant, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct antifreeze/coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
7