Page 362 of 440

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 363 of 440

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F ( 21°C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
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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.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
The transfer case fluid should be drained and refilled at
the intervals specified.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 387 of 440
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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Page 393 of 440
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 transmission and add as needed.
•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 (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 393
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Page 399 of 440
Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if re-
quired.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid,
change filter (3.7L). This applies only if your ve-
hicle is used for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and
change main sump filter (4.7L/5.7L only). This ap-
plies only if your vehicle is used for police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.X
Inspect transfer case fluid (4X4).X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, or
102, 000 miles (170 000 km) whichever comes first.X
SCHEDULE “B” 399
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Miles 105,000 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (175 000) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid,
change filter (3.7L). This applies only if your
vehicle is used for police, taxi, fleet, or fre-
quent trailer towing.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid
and change main sump filter and spin-on
cooler return filter if equipped. (4.7L/5.7L
only). This applies only if your vehicle is used
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120
months, if not replaced at 102,000 miles (170
000 km).X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
404 SCHEDULE “B”
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Page 420 of 440

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............186,260
Adding Fuel........................287,316
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 346
Air Conditioner Maintenance............223,349
Air Conditioning........................ 222
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 234
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 226
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............349,350
Air Conditioning System................222,349
Air Filter.............................. 346
Air Pressure, Tires....................274,282
Airbag.............................48,191
Airbag Light............................ 61
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................26,185
Alignment and Balance................... 281
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 219
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........356,357,385
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............146,260Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 186
Anti-Theft System.....................26,185
Appearance Care........................ 366
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 27
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............84,88
Automatic Door Locks..................... 17
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Transaxle...................... 245
Automatic Transmission.............242,245,362
Adding Fluid......................... 362
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 363
Fluid Level Check...................... 362
Fluid Type........................363,387
Gear Ranges.......................... 245
Special Additives...................... 364
Torque Converter...................... 249
Axle Fluid............................. 387
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 365
420 INDEX