Page 245 of 352
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine...........................248
4.0L Engine...........................249
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........250
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................251
Replacement Parts......................252
Dealer Service.........................252
Maintenance Procedures..................253
▫Engine Oil..........................253▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 257
▫Spark Plugs.........................258
▫Catalytic Converter....................258
▫Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine.........260
▫Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine......260
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........260
▫Fuel Filter..........................260
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................260
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................261
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Page 257 of 352

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
authorized dealer, service station, or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of the manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Moparengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the appropriate “Maintenance
Schedule,” check all drive belts for condition and proper
tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage
and failure.
Inspect the drive belt for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
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Page 260 of 352

Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine
Replace the ignition cables at the intervals described in
the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on “Maintenance Schedule A.” If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on “Maintenance Schedule B.”
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 304 of 352
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X
304 SCHEDULE “B”
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Page 305 of 352
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary.X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
SCHEDULE “B” 305
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Page 306 of 352
Miles 33,000 36,000 39,000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. X
306 SCHEDULE “B”
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Page 307 of 352
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.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary.X
Inspect the ignition cables, and replace if neces-
sary (2.4L Only).X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X 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 change filter.†X
SCHEDULE “B” 307
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Page 309 of 352
Miles 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000 75,000
(Kilometers) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid‡ X
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
SCHEDULE “B” 309
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