Page 246 of 322

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one quart of
oil when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-Road or desert operation.
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 ªBÐAll
Enginesº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of this
manual.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 248 of 322

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
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 Filter Selection
All of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Oil Requirements Ð Diesel Engines
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, 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 engine 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 1qt (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 253 of 322

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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 Ð 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7
Page 310 of 322

Child Seat............................. 57
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 211
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 267
Climate Control........................ 164
Clock.......................128,131,137,148
Clutch............................... 262
Clutch Fluid........................... 262
Coin Holder........................... 96
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 163
Compact Spare Tire..................... 201
Compass............................. 127
Compass Calibration.................... 127
Compass Variance...................... 125
Console............................... 96
Contract, Service....................... 302
Coolant (Antifreeze)..................278,279
Cooler, Beverage....................... 103
Cooling System........................ 256
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 257
Coolant Level.....................256,259
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 258
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 256Inspection........................... 259
Points to Remember................258,259
Pressure Cap........................ 258
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 256
Corrosion Protection.................... 265
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 250
Cruise Light........................... 115
Cup Holder............................ 96
Customer Assistance.................... 300
Data Recorder, Event..................... 50
Dealer Service......................... 244
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 102
Defroster, Windshield..................61,165
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................ 82
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 242
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 80
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 258
Engine Oil.......................... 248
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Downshifting.......................... 182
310 INDEX