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.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers.....277
▫Exhaust System......................277
▫Cooling System.......................278
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......283
▫Brakes.............................283
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................284
▫Fuel System Hoses....................285
▫Automatic Transmission................286
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........287
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................287
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 290
Power Distribution Centers...............290
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........290▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........293
Vehicle Storage........................296
Replacement Light Bulbs................296
Bulb Replacement......................297
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp..................297
▫Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Lamp, And Backup
Lamp..............................299
▫License Lamp........................301
Fluids And Capacities...................302
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts.......303
▫Engine.............................303
▫Chassis............................303
262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality MoparLock Cylinder Lubri-
cant or equivalent directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
The windshield washer system and the headlamp washer
system share the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is
located in the engine compartment and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
The reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid when the
Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277
7
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
308 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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............. 202
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 280
Adding Fuel.......................... 233
Adding Washer Fluid..................98,277
Additives, Fuel........................ 231
Adjustable Pedals....................... 90
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 274
Air Conditioning....................... 176
Air Conditioning Filter................185,275
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 186
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 275
Air Conditioning System................. 176
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 216
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................39,40
Airbag Light..................39,40,47,58,136
Airbag Maintenance...................... 42
Airbag, Side........................... 42
Airbag, Window......................36,42
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 221
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 171Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............279,302
Disposal............................ 281
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...........99,202
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 139
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 287
Auto Down Power Windows............... 24
Auto Up Power Windows................. 24
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Temperature Control............ 179
Automatic Transmission...............192,286
Adding Fluid.....................286,303
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 286
Fluid Change........................ 286
Fluid Level Check..................... 286
Fluid Type.......................... 303
Autostick..........................194,199
Ball Joints............................ 276
Battery............................... 273
Jump Starting........................ 255
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
330 INDEX
ScheduleA......................... 316
ScheduleB......................... 309
Malfunction Indicator Light............140,265
Manual, Service........................ 325
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 143
Mirrors............................... 63
Automatic Dimming.................... 63
Electric Remote....................... 65
Exterior Folding....................... 64
Heated.............................. 65
Outside............................. 64
Rearview............................ 63
Vanity.............................. 65
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 221
Mopar Parts........................266,324
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 94
Navigation System...................... 171
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 56
Occupant Classification System............. 43
Occupant Restraints...................... 27Oil, Engine.........................267,303
Capacity............................ 302
Change Interval...................... 268
Checking........................... 267
Disposal............................ 270
Filter...........................270,303
Filter Disposal....................... 270
Materials Added to.................... 269
Recommendation..................269,302
Viscosity............................ 302
Onboard Diagnostic System............264,265
Opener, Garage Door.................... 108
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 107
Overheating, Engine..................135,250
Owner’s Manual......................4,325
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 201
Parking On Hill........................ 201
Passing Light........................... 96
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 90
Personal Settings....................... 148
INDEX 337
10
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 58
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 325
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 27
Safety Information, Tire.................. 206
Safety Tips............................. 57
Satellite Radio......................... 168
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 171
Schedule, Maintenance................... 306
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 290
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 33
Seat Belts.............................. 28
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 32
And Pregnant Women.................. 34
Child Restraint....................49,50,54
Extender............................ 35
Front Seat............................ 29
Operating Instructions.................. 29
Reminder........................... 137
Seats................................. 85
Heated.............................. 87
Lumbar Support....................... 87
Power.............................. 85
Rear Folding......................... 89Reclining............................ 86
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 22
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........279,303
Selection of Oil........................ 269
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 322
Service Contract........................ 324
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 140
Service Manuals........................ 325
Setting the Clock....................152,158
Settings, Personal....................... 148
Shift Speeds........................... 192
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 32
Side Airbag............................ 42
Signals, Turn.......................... 136
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 257
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 226
Snow Tires............................ 227
Spark Plugs........................... 270
Speed Control......................... 104
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 190
INDEX 339
10