Page 211 of 302

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine..........................213
2.7L Engine..........................214
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......215
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................216
Replacement Parts.....................217
Dealer Service........................217
Maintenance Procedures.................218
▫Engine Oil..........................218
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........224
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................225
▫Air Conditioner......................226▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............227
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................228
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............228
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................229
▫Windshield Washers...................230
▫Exhaust System......................231
▫Cooling System.......................232
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......236
▫Brakes.............................236
▫Fuel System Hoses....................239
▫Automatic Transmission................239
7
Page 229 of 302

If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,
then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube or equivalent:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
•Trunk latches
•Ash tray
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7
Page 230 of 302
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
•
Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
•Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem-
bly away from the wiper arm. Gently place the wiper
arm on the windshield.
•Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
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.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 301 of 302

Tread Wear Indicators................... 172
Trip Computer.......................... 95
Trip Odometer.......................... 92
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 92
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................68,90
Underhood Fuses....................... 248
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 284
Universal Transmitter.................... 75
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 178
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 236
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).......... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 164
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 250
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)......... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 243
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 257
Voltmeter.............................. 90Warning, Door Ajar...................... 14
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 198
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 282
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 230
Washers, Windshield..................69,230
Washing Vehicle........................ 242
Waxing and Polishing................... 242
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 174
Wind Buffeting......................... 22
Window Fogging....................... 133
Windows.............................. 21
Power.............................. 21
Windshield Washers...................69,230
Windshield Wipers.................68,69,229
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 230
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 70
Wood Trim Cleaning.................... 245
INDEX 301
10