A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
114 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
Engine Oil Dipstick
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
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.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering 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 Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 346
Jump Starting......................... 351
Towing ............................. 355
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......365,416
Engine............................362,363
Break-In Recommendations............... 113
Checking Oil Level..................... 368
Cooling ............................. 382
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 322
Jump Starting......................... 351
Oil ...........................368,411,412
Oil Change Interval.................... 369
Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
OilFilter ............................ 412
Oil Selection.......................... 370Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 344
Temperature Gauge..................... 222
TimingBelt .......................... 374
Event Data Recorder................... 70,103
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 39,114,325,381
Exhaust System......................... 381
Filler Location Fuel...................... 222
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 374
Engine Fuel.......................... 374
Engine Oil........................371,412
Flashers.............................. 344
Hazard Warning....................... 344
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 351
Flooded Engine Starting................... 281
Fluid, Brake........................... 413
Fluid Capacities......................... 411
452 INDEX
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule “A”-Non Turbo................. 429
Schedule “A”-Turbo.................... 433
Schedule “B”......................... 419
Schedule “B”-All Engines................ 419
Maintenance Schedules.................... 416
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 224,365
Manual Override, Convertible Top.........132,357
Manual, Service......................... 444
Manual Transaxle..................280,290,394
Downshifting......................... 293
Fluid Level Check...................... 394
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 394
Lubricant Selection..................... 394
Map/Reading Lights..................178,179
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 389
Mirrors ............................... 133
Electric Remote....................... 135
Outside............................. 134Rearview............................ 133
Vanity .............................. 135
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................366,443
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 181
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 113
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 61
Occupant Restraints (Convertible)............. 80
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 44
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 322
Odometer............................. 223
Trip .............................223,228
Oil, Engine.........................368,411
Capacity............................ 411
Change Interval....................... 369
Checking............................ 368
Disposal............................ 371
INDEX 457
10
Filter ............................... 371
Identification Logo..................... 370
Materials Added to..................... 371
Quality ............................. 370
Recommendation....................370,411
Synthetic............................ 371
Viscosity............................ 370
Oil Pressure Light....................... 227
Onboard Diagnostic System..............364,365
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 192
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 272
Overdrive............................. 288
Overheating, Engine...................... 344
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,444
PaintCare ............................. 395
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 207
Panic Alarm.......................... 26,33Parking Brake.......................... 294
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 163
Passing Light........................... 183
Personal Settings........................ 232
Pets............................... 79,113
Phone, Cellular......................... 136
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 136
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 307
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 40
Distribution Center..................... 403
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 201
Seats............................... 160
Steering..........................299,378
Steering, Checking..................... 378
Sunroof............................. 199
Windows............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid..................... 413
458 INDEX