NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule“B”in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips—Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips—Autostick (If Equipped)
For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Towing Tips—Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.7L Engine..........................279
3.5L Engine..........................280
5.7L Engine..........................281
Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......282
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................283
Replacement Parts.....................284
Dealer Service........................284
Maintenance Procedures.................285
▫Engine Oil..........................285
▫Engine Oil Filter......................290▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................290
▫Spark Plugs.........................290
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................290
▫Fuel Filter..........................291
▫Catalytic Converter....................291
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................292
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............294
▫A/C Air Filter—If Equipped............295
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............295
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........296
▫Steering Linkage......................296
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.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
local dealer for service.
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 tuned 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.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.7 Liter Engines (87 Octane) 18 gallons 68 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (87 to 89 Octane) 18 gallons 68 liters
5.7 Liter Engines (87 to 89 Octane) 19 gallons 72 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 6.0 qts. 5.7 liters
5.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7.0 qts. 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
2.7 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.9.7 qts 9.2 liters
3.5 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.10.6 qts 10.0 liters
5.7 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent.14.6 qts 13.8 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
7
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (2.7 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.5 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (5.7 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Oil Filter (2.7 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Oil Filter (3.5 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Oil Filter (5.7 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Fuel Selection (2.7 Liter) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5 Liter) 87 to 89 Octane
Fuel Selection (5.7 Liter) 87 to 89 Octane
324 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 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
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 (100 000 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 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
SCHEDULE“B”331
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 214
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 300
Adding Fuel.......................... 244
Adding Washer Fluid.................105,297
Additives, Fuel........................ 243
Adjustable Pedals....................... 95
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 294
Air Conditioning....................... 181
Air Conditioning Filter................190,295
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 191
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 295
Air Conditioning System................. 181
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 227
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................42,48
Airbag Light....................43,50,60,136
Airbag Maintenance...................... 49
Airbag, Side........................... 46
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........38,46
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 25
Alignment and Balance.................. 233
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 175Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............299,323
Disposal............................ 301
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 214
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 141
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 25
Appearance Care....................... 307
Auto Down Power Windows............... 29
Auto Up Power Windows................. 29
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 67
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights................... 101
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 184
Automatic Transmission............198,203,306
Adding Fluid.....................306,325
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 306
Fluid Change........................ 306
Fluid Level Check..................... 306
Fluid Type.......................... 325
Gear Ranges......................... 199
Torque Converter..................... 201
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 202
Autostick..........................205,210
352 INDEX