the instrument cluster). For additional information, refer
to “Overhead Console — If Equipped” in Section 3. (See
page 135 for more information.)
NOTE: The warnings “LOCOOL” and “GASCAP” will
always be displayed in the odometer display.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
14. Cruise Indicator Light This indicator lights when the speed control
system is turned ON. 15. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on, have the system checked by your autho-
rized dealer.
If the warning light comes on and remains on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO
NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS
CORRECTED. Also, a single chime will sound.
16. Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur with
severe usage such as trailer towing or snow plowing. If
this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at
idle or faster, with the transmission in N (Neutral) until
the light goes off.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
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 — O/D OFF (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “O/D OFF” button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check – 3.7L Gasoline Engine (42RLE)
and 2.8L Diesel Engine (545RFE)
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluid MUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70° F (21°
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16” (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident, the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the fill plug (B) located at the back of the
transfer case.
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (A) when the vehicle is in a level position.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............175,245
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 163
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 326
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 327
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 210
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 328
Air Filter .............................. 326
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 262
Airbag ................................ 47
Airbag Deployment ....................... 58
Airbag Light ....................... 52,61,179
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 48
Alarm, Panic ............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 27
Alignment and Balance ................... 267
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 204
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 362 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
............125,245
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 175
Appearance Care ........................ 345
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 28
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 80
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 21
Automatic Transmission ................227,340
Adding Fluid ......................... 341
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 340
Fluid Level Check ...................... 340
Fluid Type ........................... 340
Gear Ranges .......................... 228
Shifting ............................. 227
Special Additives ...................... 341
Torque Converter ...................... 232
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ...... 153
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 153
402 INDEX
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 72,279
Exhaust System ......................... 331
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 345
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 326
Engine Oil ........................... 323
Finish Care ............................ 345
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 300
Turn Signal ..................... 173,357,360
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 218
Fluid Capacities ......................... 362
Fluid Leaks ............................. 74
Fluid Level Checks ....................... 74
Automatic Transmission ................. 340
Clutch Fluid .......................... 342
Engine Oil ........................... 319
Manual Transmission ................... 342 Power Steering
........................ 328
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 363
Fog Light Service ........................ 358
Fog Lights .......................... 1 18,358
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 111
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 234
Operation ........................... 234
Shifting .......................... 237,241
Systems .......................... 234,238
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 300
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 233
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 343
Fuel .............................. 276,280
Diesel .............................. 280
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 281
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 281
Gasoline ............................ 276
Gauge .............................. 179
Materials Added ....................... 278
INDEX 407
10
Diesel.............................. 384
Light Duty Schedule “A” ..............379,391
Light Duty Schedule “B” ..............369,386
Schedule “A” ...................... 379,391
Schedule “B” ...................... 369,386
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 153
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 174,317
Manual, Service ......................... 398
Manual Transmission .................. 224,342
Fluid Level Check ...................... 342
Lubricant Selection ..................... 342
Shift Speeds .......................... 226
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 136
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 338
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 141
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming ..................... 80
Electric Remote ........................ 81
Heated .............................. 82 Outside
.............................. 80
Rearview ............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 268
Mopar Parts ......................... 318,397
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 116
Navigation System ....................... 199
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 71
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 54
Occupant Restraints ....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 276
Odometer ............................. 176
Trip ................................ 176
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ..........249,344
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ..........249,344
Oil, Engine ............................ 319
412 INDEX