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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 transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading. a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level indicates low, add sufficient fluid to
bring to the proper level.CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B”
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
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Page 446 of 496
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar DOT 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 fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 450 of 496
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
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 transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 \b.
•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 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing. \b
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). \b
•Off-road or desert operation.
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Miles 57, 000 60, 000 63, 000 66, 000 69, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. * X XXX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect the PCV valveand replace if neces-
sary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary. ‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter. \b X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
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Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary. * XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect the PCV valveand replace as necessary.* X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8
liter engines, replace if necessary. ‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
\b X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
458 SCHEDULE “B”
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Page 477 of 496

Interlock System....................... 314
Reset Mode .......................... 315
Selection Of Lubricant ................425,446
Shifting ............................. 315
Special Additives ...................... 428
Automatic Transmission ................... 425
Adding Fluid ......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 427
Fluid Change ......................... 427
Fluid Level Check ...................... 426
Fluid Type ........................ 425,446
Ball Joints ............................. 413
Battery ............................... 409
Gas Caution .......................... 410
Jump Starting ......................... 389
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 151
Bearings .............................. 428 Belts, Drive
............................ 406
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 414
B-Pillar Location ........................ 328
Brake Fluid ............................ 446
Brake, Parking .......................... 317
Brake System ........................ 318,422
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 319
Fluid Check .......................... 423
Hoses .............................. 422
Warning Light ........................ 210
Brakes ............................. 318,422
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 314
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 82
Bulb Replacement ....................... 439
Bulbs, Light ............................ 438
Calibration, Compass ..................... 165
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 444
INDEX 477
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