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.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!
Prolonged 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.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............377
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............377
▫Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........378
▫Body Lubrication.....................378
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................378
▫Windshield Washers...................379
▫Exhaust System......................380
▫Cooling System.......................381
▫Emission Related Components............386
▫Brake System........................387
▫Automatic Transmission................389
▫Transfer Case........................391
▫Axles..............................392▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........392
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................393
Fuse Block............................398
▫Fuses (Interior).......................398
▫Fuses (Power Distribution Center).........401
▫Fuses (Integrated Power Module)..........404
Vehicle Storage........................406
Replacement Light Bulbs.................407
Bulb Replacement......................407
▫Headlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........407
▫Tail Lights, Turn Signals And Backup Lights —
Replacement.........................409
▫License Lights........................411
360 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.
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 manufacturers recommended
power steering 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.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
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, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease 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 hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 392
Ball Joints............................. 377
Battery..........................362,363,375
Charging............................ 354
Emergency Starting..................... 354
Gas Caution.......................... 354
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 132
Belts, Drive............................ 372
Belts, Seat.............................. 39
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 378
B-Pillar Location........................ 293
Brake Assist System...................... 280
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 279
Brake Fluid............................ 416
Brake System........................275,387
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................275,279
Disc Brakes.......................... 387Fluid Check.......................... 387
Hoses.............................. 388
Master Cylinder....................... 387
Parking............................. 273
Warning Light.....................190,193
Brakes............................... 275
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 258
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 407
Bulbs, Light............................ 407
Calibration, Compass..................... 158
Capacities, Fluid........................ 414
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 316
Oil (Engine).......................... 370
Power Steering........................ 377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 383
Car Washes............................ 393
INDEX 451
10
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 346
Turn Signal.....................135,187,409
Flat Tire Stowage.....................348,354
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 320
Engine Oil........................... 320
Fuel Requirements..................318,319
Maintenance.......................... 321
Replacement Parts..................... 320
Starting............................. 320
Flooded Engine Starting................... 256
Floor Console.......................172,175
Fluid, Brake.........................387,416
Fluid Capacities......................... 414
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Brake............................... 387
Engine Oil........................... 368Power Steering........................ 377
Transfer Case......................... 391
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 415
Fog Lights..........................135,413
Folding Rear Seat..................... 117,120
Four Wheel Drive....................... 263
Operation........................... 263
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 346
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 288
Front Axle (Differential)................... 392
Fuel................................. 311
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 316
Filter............................... 373
Gauge.............................. 187
Octane Rating...................... 311,415
Requirements...................... 311,414
Tank Capacity........................ 414
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 318
INDEX 455
10
Pets.................................. 71
Pets, Transporting........................ 71
Phone, Cellular.......................... 83
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 83
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 293
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 387
Power
Brakes.............................. 387
Distribution Center (Fuses)..........362,363,401
Door Locks.........................19,28
Lift Gate............................. 35
Mirrors.............................. 81
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......169,170
Steering..........................277,377
Steering Filler Cap..................362,363
Sunroof............................. 167
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 416
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 50Preparation for Jacking.................... 350
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 48
Programmable Electronic Features......155,162,165
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............23,162,165
Radial Ply Tires......................... 300
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......381,383
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 198
Radio, Navigation....................... 222
Radio Operation...................200,208,232
Radio, Satellite.......................222,226
Radio (Sound Systems).................200,208
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 392
Rear Cup Holder........................ 175
Rear Liftgate............................ 34
Rear Window Defroster................... 250
Rear Window Features.................... 249
INDEX 461
10