Page 368 of 472
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 389 of 472

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7
Page 390 of 472

a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F ( 21°C) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. 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.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 453 of 472

Pressure Cap......................... 383
Radiator Cap......................... 383
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......382,414,415
Temperature Gauge..................... 187
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 142
Cup Holder............................ 173
Customer Assistance..................... 442
Data Recorder, Event...................... 60
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 367
Defroster, Rear Window................... 250
Defroster, Windshield..........73,235,236,241,242
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 138
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 364
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 188
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Oil (Engine).......................... 368Power Steering........................ 377
Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disc Brakes............................ 387
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 384
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 160
Drive Belts............................ 372
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 226
E-85 Fuel............................. 318
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 169
Electronic Brake Control System............. 279
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 142
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........193,283
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 152
INDEX 453
10
Page 460 of 472

Mopar Parts.........................366,445
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 287
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 135
Navigation Radio........................ 222
Navigation System....................... 222
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 71
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 55
Occupant Restraints....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 311
Oil, Engine.........................368,415
Capacity............................ 414
Change Interval....................... 369
Dipstick............................. 368
Disposal............................ 371
Filter............................371,415
Filter Disposal........................ 371
Identification Logo..................... 370Materials Added to..................... 371
Recommendation...................370,414
Synthetic............................ 371
Viscosity..........................370,414
Onboard Diagnostic System..............364,365
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 160
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 81
Overdrive..........................191,261
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 261
Overhead Console....................150,151
Overheating, Engine...................... 189
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 446
Panic Alarm............................ 22
Parking Brake.......................... 273
Parking On Hill......................... 273
Passing Light........................... 137
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 141
Personal Settings........................ 155
460 INDEX