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Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid or that is
unidentified as to DOT FMVSS specification may
result in sudden brake failure during hard or pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
This is referred to as a “Transaxle.”
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
•The vehicle must be on level ground.
•The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
•Fully apply parking brake.
•Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
•Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
•If the fluid is cold (80°F / 27°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked “COLD” (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
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•If the fluid is hot (180°F / 82°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ”HOT” (between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”— Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives to the transaxle. The only exception
to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; near the air cleaner. This information ap-
plies to vehicles built without the fuse and relay num-
bering embossed on the Power Distribution Center Top
Cover.
Interior Fuses
The fuse access panel is behind the end cover at the left
side of the instrument panel. To remove the panel, pull it
out, as shown.The identity of each fuse is indicated on the backside of
the cover.
Cavity Fuse Circuit
1 30 Amp
GreenBlower Motor
2 10 Amp
RedRight High Beam Headlight,
High Beam Indicator
3 10 Amp
RedLeft High Beam Headlight
4 15 Amp
BluePower Door Lock Switch Illumi-
nation, Transmission Range
Switch, Daytime Running Light
Module (Canada), Power Win-
dows, Anti-lock Brake System
Module
5 10 Amp
RedPower Door Lock and Door Lock
Arm/Disarm Switches, Vanity,
Reading, Map, Rear Seating, Igni-
tion, and Trunk Lights, Illumi-
nated Entry, Radio, Power An-
tenna, Data Link Connector, Body
Control Module, Power Amplifier
Fuse Panel Cover
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Cavity Fuse Circuit
6 10 Amp
RedHeated Rear Window Indicator
7 20 Amp
YellowInstrument cluster illumination,
Park and tail Lights
8 20 Amp
YellowPower Receptacle, Horns, Igni-
tion, Fuel, Start
9 15 Amp
BluePower Door Lock Motors (Body
Control Module)
10 20 Amp
YellowDaytime Running Light Module
(Canada)
11 10 Amp
RedInstrument Cluster, Transmission
Control, Park/Neutral Switch,
Body Control Module
12 10 Amp
RedLeft Low beam Headlight
13 20 Amp
YellowRight Low Beam Headlight, Fog
Light Switch
14 10 Amp
RedRadioCavity Fuse Circuit
15 10 Amp
RedTurn Signal and Hazard Flashers,
Wiper Switch, Seat Belt Control
Module, Wiper Relays, Rear Win-
dow Defroster Relay
16 10 Amp
RedAirbag Control Module
17 10 Amp Airbag Control Module
18 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Seat Switch, Remote Trunk
Release
19 30 Amp
C/BRKRPower Windows
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 247
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Page 257 of 300
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid
is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake flu-
ids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Steering Gear & Linkage, Ball
Joints, Prop Shafts & Yokes, Wheel
BearingsMoparMulti-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
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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 linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
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SCHEDULE “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
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 Schedulessection 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.
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