Page 247 of 368

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, turn the “O/D OFF” feature ON 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 247
5
Page 263 of 368
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine ...........................266
4.0L Engine ...........................267
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........268
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................269
Replacement Parts ......................270
Dealer Service .........................270
Maintenance Procedures ..................271
▫ Engine Oil ..........................271 ▫
Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 275
▫ Spark Plugs .........................275
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................275
▫ Engine Timing Belt — 2.4L Engine .........277
▫ Ignition Wiring System — 2.4L Engine ......277
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System ........277
▫ Fuel Filter ..........................278
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................278
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................278
7
Page 274 of 368

Engine Oil Viscosity (2.4L Engines)
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap shows the recommended engine oil viscosity
for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Viscosity (4.0L Engines)
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operat-
ing temperatures. This engine oil improves low tem-
perature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine
oil filler cap shows the recommended engine oil vis-
cosity for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
authorized dealer, service station, or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 275 of 368

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of the manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar engine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the appropriate “Maintenance
Schedule,” check all drive belts for condition and proper
tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage
and failure.
Inspect the drive belt for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual. Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Information” label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275
7
Page 278 of 368

Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on “Maintenance Schedule A.” If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on “Maintenance Schedule B.”
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner
unless it is necessary for repair or maintenance.
Make sure that no one is near the engine compart-
ment before starting the vehicle with the air cleaner
removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 314 of 368
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 19 Gallons 71.9 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 6 Qts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine (Mopar Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 9 Qts 8.5 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (Mopar Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 10.5 Qts 9.9 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 315 of 368
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil is recommended for the 2.4L engine. API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil is recommended for the 4.0L engine. Meets
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart- ment.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) Mopar Oil Filter (P/N 4105409AB)
Oil Filter (4.0L Engine) Mopar Oil Filter (P/N 05281090)
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7
Page 352 of 368

Oil Filter............................ 274
Oil Pressure Gauge ..................... 149
Oil Selection .......................... 314
Overheating .......................... 253
Starting ............................. 182
Temperature Gauge ..................... 149
Timing Belt .......................... 277
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 274
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 274
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 17
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 45,232
Exhaust System ......................... 283
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 26
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 298
Fabric Care ......................... 300,302
Fabric Top ............................. 302
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 278 Engine Fuel
.......................... 278
Engine Oil ........................... 274
Finish Care ............................ 298
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 252
Turn Signal ..................... 147,311,313
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 183
Fluid Capacities ......................... 314
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 296
Automatic Transmission ................. 292
Engine Oil ........................... 271
Manual Transmission ................... 294
Power Steering ........................ 281
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 315
Fog Light Service ........................ 311
Fog Lights ........................... 66,311
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 59
Folding Windshield ...................... 132
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 194
352 INDEX