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
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 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
7
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 manufacturer’s 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 such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk 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
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
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 (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 307
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 258
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 250
Jump Starting........................ 255
Overheating......................... 250
Towing............................. 259
Emission Control System Maintenance....265,306
Engine............................... 263
Air Cleaner.......................... 271
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 271
Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................... 267
Compartment........................ 263
Coolant (Antifreeze)................279,303
Cooling............................ 278
Exhaust Gas Caution..............27,57,232
Fails to Start......................... 191
Fuel Requirements.................229,302
Oil ..........................267,302,303
Oil Change Interval................... 268
Oil Selection......................269,302
Overheating......................... 250
Temperature Gauge................... 135Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 269
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 269
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 41
Event Data Recorder..................... 48
Exhaust Gas Caution.............27,57,232,278
Exhaust System........................ 277
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 64
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 271
Air Conditioning..................185,275
Engine Fuel......................... 271
Engine Oil.......................270,303
Engine Oil Disposal................... 270
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 250
Turn Signal.......................... 136
Flash-To-Pass........................... 96
Floor Console.......................... 120
Fluid Capacities........................ 302
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 284
INDEX 333
10
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