
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
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 lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 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.
218 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”.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
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 manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 263
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Crankcase Emission Control System......... 224
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 72
Cruise Light........................... 89
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 217
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 139
Defroster, Windshield...............44,132,138
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 215
Dimmer Control........................ 66
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 69
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 234
Engine Oil.......................... 221
Door Ajar Warning...................... 14
Door Locks............................ 12
Door Locks, Automatic................... 14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 75
Drive Belts............................ 222Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 207
E-85 Fuel............................. 181
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 79
Electrical Power Outlets................... 79
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 72
Emergency Brake....................... 153
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 208
Jacking............................. 199
Jump Starting........................ 204
Overheating......................... 198
Towing............................. 208
Emergency Trunk Release...............20,21
Emission Control System Maintenance....216,262
Engine............................213,214
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 222
Block Heater......................... 148
Break-In Recommendations............... 42
Checking Oil Level.................... 218
Compartment.....................213,214
Coolant (Antifreeze)................232,258
INDEX 291
10

Door............................... 12
Ignition.............................. 9
Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren (LATCH)............37,39
Lubricants............................ 228
Lubrication, Body....................... 228
Luggage/Cargo Capacity................. 185
Lumbar Support........................ 60
Maintenance Free Battery................. 225
Maintenance Procedures.................. 218
Maintenance Schedule................... 262
Light Duty Schedule “B”................ 265
Schedule “A”........................ 273
Schedule “B”........................ 265
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . 90,216
Manual, Service........................ 283
Mirrors............................... 56
Electric Remote....................... 57
Outside...........................57,58
Rearview............................ 56
Vanity.............................. 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6Mopar Parts........................217,282
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 67
Navigation System...................... 120
Occupant Restraints...................... 22
Odometer............................. 92
Tampering........................... 92
Trip ................................ 92
Oil, Engine......................218,257,258
Capacity............................ 257
Change Interval...................... 219
Checking........................... 218
Disposal............................ 221
Filter...........................221,258
Filter Disposal....................... 221
Identification Logo.................... 220
Materials Added to.................... 221
Pressure Gauge....................... 93
Quality............................. 220
Recommendation..................220,257
Synthetic........................... 221
Viscosity.........................221,257
296 INDEX