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
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
6.1L Engine..........................263
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......264
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................265
Replacement Parts.....................266
Dealer Service........................266
Maintenance Procedures.................267
▫Engine Oil..........................267
▫Engine Oil Filter......................270
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................270
▫Spark Plugs.........................270▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................271
▫Fuel Filter..........................271
▫Catalytic Converter....................271
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................273
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............274
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............275
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............276
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........276
▫Steering Linkage......................276
▫Body Lubrication.....................276
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................277
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
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
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 (6.1 Liter) Use API rated SM/CF full synthetic engine oil. SAE 0W-40 is recommended.
Refer to the engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10725.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Oil Filter (6.1 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Fuel Selection (6.1 Liter) Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent.
Rear Axle API rated GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7
Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.XX
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt
and tensioner. Replace if required.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*‡X
Change the power steering fluid. X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months
if not done at 102,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
SCHEDULE “B” 313
8
M
A
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T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Cooling System....................... 279
Engine Oil.......................... 267
Power Steering....................... 276
Fluids............................... 303
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 303
Fog Lights..........................95,137
Folding Rear Seat....................... 89
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 258
Fuel................................. 229
Adding............................. 233
Additives........................... 231
Clean Air........................... 230
Filler Cap........................... 233
Filter.............................. 271
Gasoline............................ 229
Gauge............................. 134
Hoses.............................. 285
Octane Rating........................ 303
Requirements.....................229,302
Tank Capacity........................ 302
Fueling.............................. 233
Fuses................................ 290Garage Door Opener.................... 108
GasCap .............................. 233
Gasoline............................. 229
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 230
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 230
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 135
Fuel............................... 134
Speedometer......................... 134
Tachometer.......................... 134
General Information..............15,20,225,228
Glass Cleaning......................... 289
Gross Axle Weight Rating..............235,238
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............235,237
Ground Clearance...................... 229
Hands-Free Phone....................... 66
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 250
Head Restraints......................... 88
Headlight Washers...................... 277
Headlights
High Beam........................... 96
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 96
334 INDEX