Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in 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 allsurfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the 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 seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, 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.
346 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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
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.
354 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 operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, 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.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic 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.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
7
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
26———
27 — 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Airbag Control
Module (ACM)
28 — 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if
equipped
29 — 5 Amp
OrangeAnti-lock Brakes Module
- if equipped/Cluster/
Front Control Module
(FCM)/Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM)/
Sentry Key Remote Key-
less Entry/Stop Lights
30 — 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power
Mirrors - if equipped/
Steering Control Module
31———
32———
33———
34———Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
35 — 5 Amp
OrangeAmplifier - if equipped/
Antenna/Ignition
Delay/Overhead
Console/Passenger Door
Lock & Express Power
Window Switch - if
equipped/Power Mir-
rors - if equipped/Rain
Sensor - if equipped/
Rear Defrost
36 — 20 Amp
YellowHands Free Phone - if
equipped/Media System
Monitor DVD - if
equipped/Radio/
Satellite Receiver - if
equipped
37 — 15 Amp
BlueTransmission - NAG1
38 — 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Cargo
Light/Overhead Con-
sole
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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.
Front Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Rear Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MoparTransfer Case Lubricant LX, P/N 05170055AA, or equivalent.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Oil Selection......................337,382
Oil Synthetic......................... 339
Overheating......................... 312
Temperature Gauge................... 166
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 48
Ethanol.............................. 290
Event Data Recorder..................... 49
Exhaust Gas Caution.............59,60,292,348
Exhaust System......................59,348
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 69
Exterior Lighting....................... 103
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 341
Air Conditioning..................227,345
Engine Fuel......................... 341
Engine Oil.......................340,383
Engine Oil Disposal................... 340
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 312
Turn Signal.......................107,163
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 107
Flat Tire Changing...................... 314Flooded Engine Starting.................. 235
Floor Console.......................... 153
Fluid Capacities........................ 382
Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 355
Cooling System....................... 349
Engine Oil.......................335,336
Power Steering....................... 346
Fluids............................... 383
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 383
Fog Lights.........................106,163
Folding Rear Seat....................... 97
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 324
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 346
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 358
Fuel................................. 289
Adding............................. 293
Clean Air........................... 290
Ethanol............................. 290
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 293
Filter.............................. 341
Gasoline............................ 289
418 INDEX
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 250
SmartBeams........................... 104
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 279
Snow Tires............................ 280
Spare Tire.......................274,275,315
Spark Plugs........................... 340
Speed Control (Cruise Control).......... 118,121
Speedometer.......................... 163
Starting.............................. 234
Automatic Transmission................ 235
Engine Fails to Start................... 235
Starting and Operating................... 234
Starting Procedures..................... 234
Steering
Column Controls..................... 106
Linkage............................ 346
Power...........................255,346
Tilt Column...................... 115,116
Wheel, Tilt....................... 115,116
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 215
Storage...........................153,370
Storage, Vehicle.....................226,370Storing Your Vehicle..................... 370
Sun Roof............................. 146
Sunglasses Storage...................... 140
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 41
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 339
System, Navigation..................... 206
Tachometer........................... 164
Telescoping Steering Column........... 115,116
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 221
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......166,313
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 54
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 15
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 15
Tilt Steering Column.................. 115,116
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 267
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 266
Tire Markings......................... 262
Tire Safety Information................... 262
Tires ...........................61,271,410
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 277
Air Pressure......................... 271
Alignment.......................... 278
426 INDEX