Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 engine oils are recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. These engine
oils are designed to improve low temperature starting
and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to the engine oil filler
cap for the preferred engine oil viscosity grade for each
vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided that the
recommended oil quality requirements are met and the
recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter
changes are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, 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 can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Fill Cap
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
7
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.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.4 and 2.7 Liter Engines (87 Octane) 16 Gallons 61 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 and 2.7 Liter Engines (Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct
SAE grade)5 qts. 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.8 qts. 7.5 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.9.5 qts. 9.0 Liters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
7
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 are recommended.
Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label under the engine
hood.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) MoparOil Filter (P/N 4105409) or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L Engine) MoparOil Filter (P/N 5281090) or equivalent.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
256 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 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.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
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.
SCHEDULE “B” 263
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
About Your Brakes...................... 155
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 155
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 233
Adding Fuel.......................... 183
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 230
Additives, Fuel........................ 179
Aiming Headlights...................... 254
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 222
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 226
Air Conditioning....................129,135
Air Conditioning Controls................ 129
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........134,140
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 227
Air Conditioning System..............135,226
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 168
Airbag................................ 32
Airbag Deployment....................35,36
Airbag Light...................35,36,38,47,89
Airbag Maintenance...................... 38
Airbag, Side........................... 37
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........32,37
Alarm Light............................ 93Alarm, Panic........................... 19
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 21
Alignment and Balance.................. 174
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 124
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............232,255
Capacities........................... 255
Disposal............................ 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 155
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 91
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 21
Appearance Care....................... 241
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 54
Automatic Door Locks..................15,16
Automatic Headlights.................... 65
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 129
Automatic Transaxle............149,151,238,257
Adding Fluid........................ 257
Filter.............................. 240
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 240
Fluid Level Check..................... 239
Interlock System....................10,150
Reset Mode......................... 151
286 INDEX
Cruise Light........................... 88
Customer Assistance.................... 278
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 63
Daytime Running Lights.................. 66
Dealer Service......................... 217
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 138
Defroster, Windshield...............47,132,138
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 215
Dimmer Control........................ 63
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 66
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 239
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 234
Engine Oil.......................... 221
Door Ajar Warning...................... 15
Door Locks............................ 13
Door Locks, Automatic................... 15
Door Opener, Garage..................... 73
Drive Belts............................ 222
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 208E-85 Fuel............................. 181
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 80
Electrical Power Outlets................... 80
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 70
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 209
Jacking............................. 200
Jump Starting........................ 205
Overheating......................... 198
Towing............................. 209
Emergency Trunk Release................. 23
Emission Control System Maintenance....216,260
Engine............................213,214
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 222
Block Heater......................... 148
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 218
Compartment.....................213,214
Coolant (Antifreeze)................232,256
Cooling............................ 231
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180
Fails to Start......................... 148
Fuel Requirements.................178,255
INDEX 289
10