•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
5
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............310
▫Body Lubrication.....................311
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................312
▫Windshield Washers — Front And Rear.....312
▫Exhaust System......................313
▫Cooling System.......................314
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......319
▫Brake System........................319
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................321
▫Fuel System Hoses....................322
▫Automatic Transmission................323
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........324▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................324
Fuse Panel...........................328
▫Interior Fuses........................328
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . 330
▫Underhood Fuses (Integrated Power Module) . 332
Vehicle Storage........................334
Replacement Bulbs......................334
Bulb Replacement......................335
▫Head Light..........................335
▫Front Turn Signal.....................337
▫Front Fog Light......................338
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Back-Up
Lights.............................339
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering Fluid Check
The power steering system requires the use of Mopar
Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid (P/N
05142893AA), or equivalent, which meets
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10838.
CAUTION!
Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or
other types of power steering fluids when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.
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.”
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
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.
NOTE:Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal, and does not in
any way damage the steering system.
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
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.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
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case CastrolBOT89 M1 Plus Lubricant Usage of other fluid/lubricants isNOT
recommended.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MoparSynthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or
equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir This system requires the use of MoparHydraulic System Power Steering
Fluid (P/N 05142893AA) or equivalent, which meets DaimlerChrysler Ma-
terial Standard MS-10838.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
7
Temperature Gauge..................... 180
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 303
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 303
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 16
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution................70,271,313
Exhaust System......................... 313
Exterior Finish Care...................... 325
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 305
Engine Fuel.......................... 305
Engine Oil........................... 304
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 304
Finish Care............................ 325
Flashers.............................. 288
Hazard Warning....................... 288
Turn Signal.....................176,337,339Flipper Glass, Liftgate..................... 27
Flooded Engine Starting................... 235
Fluid Capacities......................... 341
Fluid Leaks............................. 72
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 321
Cooling System....................... 314
Engine Oil........................... 301
Power Steering........................ 310
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 342
Fog Light Service........................ 338
Fog Lights.......................124,183,338
Folding Rear Seat........................ 109
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 288
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 238
Fuel................................. 268
Additives............................ 270
Clean Air............................ 269
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 272
378 INDEX