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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.5L Engines ..........................338
3.8L Engines ..........................339
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........340
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............341
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................341
Replacement Parts ......................343
Dealer Service .........................343
Maintenance Procedures ..................344 ▫
Engine Oil ..........................344
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................348
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 348
▫ Spark Plugs .........................349
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................349
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................350
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................351
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............353
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............354
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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, use onlythose oils that are American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certified and have the recom-
mended SAE viscosity grade. Follow the maintenance
schedule that describes your driving type.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters 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
This manufacture’s engines have a full-flow type oil filter.
Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service.
Mopar Engine Oil Filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts should be checked for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. Low generator belt
tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion” label in the engine compartment.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
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Page 353 of 440
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a system
performance check. Drive belt tension should also be
checked at this time.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
further 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
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1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders
Removal
Grab the center of the rubber portion of the cupholder
and lift upward.
Cleaning
Soak the rubber cupholder liner in a mixture of medium
hot tap water and one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap.
Let soak for approximately one hour. After one hour pull
the liner from the water and dip it back into the water
about six times. This will loosen any remaining debris.
Rinse the liner thoroughly under warm running water.
Shake the excess water from the liner and dry the outer
surfaces with a clean soft cloth.
Installation
Align the liner in the cupholder and press down firmly.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 397 of 440
Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. * X XXX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front
& Rear) X
Inspect the PCV valveand replace if neces-
sary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if
necessary. ‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter. X
SCHEDULE “B” 397
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Miles 75, 000 78, 000 81, 000 84, 000 87, 000 90, 000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (135 000) (140 000) (145 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. * XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter XX
Replace the spark plugs. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front
& Rear) X
Check the PCV valve and replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if
necessary. ‡ XX
SCHEDULE “B” 399
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Miles 93, 000 96, 000 99, 000 102, 000 105, 000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary. * XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter *X
Replace engine timing belt. X
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) power transfer
unit fluid. (See note at the end of this chart) X
Change the All Wheel Drive (AWD) overrunning
clutch and rear carrier fluid. (See note at the end of
this chart) X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if neces-
sary. ‡ X
Flush and replace the engine coolant. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
SCHEDULE “B” 401
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