A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
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. Maintain
the 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
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.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil Dipstick
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
doors hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
302 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.
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 67
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 121
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 109
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 107
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 148
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 280
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 268
Jacking............................. 269
Jump Starting........................ 277
Overheating......................... 268
Towing............................. 281
Emission Control System Maintenance....289,336
Engine.........................285,286,287
Air Cleaner.......................... 297
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 297
Block Heater......................... 204
Break-In Recommendations............... 58
Checking Oil Level.................291,292
Compartment..................285,286,287
Coolant (Antifreeze)................305,332
Cooling............................ 305
Exhaust Gas Caution..............27,59,249Fails to Start......................... 203
Fuel Requirements.................246,331
Oil ..........................291,331,332
Oil Change Interval................... 293
Oil Selection......................293,331
Oil Synthetic......................... 295
Overheating......................... 268
Temperature Gauge................... 141
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 43
Event Data Recorder..................... 49
Exhaust Gas Caution.............27,59,249,304
Exhaust System........................ 304
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 66
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 297
Air Conditioning..................196,301
Engine Fuel......................... 297
Engine Oil.......................296,332
Engine Oil Disposal................... 295
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 268
Turn Signal.......................... 142
INDEX 363
10
Capacities........................... 253
Tires ............................... 227
Locks
Door............................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 55
Lubrication, Body....................... 302
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 131
Lumbar Support........................ 90
Maintenance Free Battery................. 299
Maintenance Procedures.................. 291
Maintenance Schedule................... 336
Schedule“A”........................ 347
Schedule“B”........................ 339
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)......................147,289
Manual, Service........................ 355
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 150
Mirrors............................... 65
Automatic Dimming.................... 65
Electric Remote....................... 67
Exterior Folding....................... 66Heated.............................. 67
Outside............................. 66
Rearview............................ 65
Vanity.............................. 67
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 239
Mopar Parts........................290,354
Multi-Displacement Engine System.......... 223
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 97
Navigation System...................... 182
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 58
Occupant Classification System (OCS)........ 45
Occupant Restraints...................... 30
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 246
Oil, Engine.........................291,332
Capacity............................ 331
Change Interval...................... 293
Checking........................291,292
Disposal............................ 295
Filter...........................296,332
Filter Disposal....................... 295
INDEX 367
10