MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level—2.7L, 3.5L Engines
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. Maintainthe oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart (.9L) of oil when the reading
is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285
7
Checking Oil Level—5.7L Engines
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 in the“SAFE”range. Adding one quart (.9L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the“SAFE”
range will result in an oil level at the top of the“SAFE”
range on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
A/C Air Filter—If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—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.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7
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 and brake
master cylinder, 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 hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
330 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 262
Jacking............................. 263
Jump Starting........................ 270
Overheating......................... 262
Towing............................. 274
Emission Control System Maintenance....283,328
Engine.........................279,280,281
Air Cleaner.......................... 291
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 290
Block Heater......................... 198
Break-In Recommendations............... 59
Checking Oil Level.................285,286
Compartment..................279,280,281
Coolant (Antifreeze)................299,324
Cooling............................ 298
Exhaust Gas Caution................59,244
Fails to Start......................... 197
Fuel Requirements.................241,323
Oil ..........................285,323,324
Oil Change Interval................... 287
Oil Selection......................287,323
Oil Synthetic......................... 289
Overheating......................... 262Temperature Gauge................... 135
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 49
Event Data Recorder..................... 50
Exhaust Gas Caution...............59,244,298
Exhaust System........................ 297
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 290
Air Conditioning..................190,295
Engine Fuel......................... 291
Engine Oil.......................290,324
Engine Oil Disposal................... 289
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 262
Turn Signal.......................... 136
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 103
Flat Tire Changing...................... 263
Floor Console.......................... 127
Fluid Capacities........................ 323
Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 304
INDEX 355
10
Maintenance Schedule................... 328
Schedule“A”........................ 339
Schedule“B”........................ 331
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . 141,283
Manual, Service........................ 347
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 144
Mirrors............................... 67
Automatic Dimming.................... 67
Electric Remote....................... 69
Exterior Folding....................... 68
Heated.............................. 69
Outside............................. 68
Rearview............................ 67
Vanity.............................. 69
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 234
Mopar Parts........................284,346
Multi-Displacement Engine System.......... 218
Multi-Function Control Lever.............. 100
Navigation System...................... 177
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 59Occupant Restraints...................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 241
Oil, Engine.........................285,324
Capacity............................ 323
Change Interval...................... 287
Checking........................285,286
Disposal............................ 289
Filter...........................290,324
Filter Disposal....................... 289
Identification Logo.................... 288
Materials Added to.................... 289
Recommendation..................287,323
Synthetic........................... 289
Viscosity.........................288,323
Onboard Diagnostic System............282,283
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 115
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 114
Overheating, Engine..................136,262
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,347
Panic Alarm........................... 23
Parking Brake......................... 212
INDEX 359
10