
WARNING!
Do not overfill the washer reservoir. Do not attempt
to fill to the top of the filler neck. Fluid may leak out
onto the floor or driveway causing a potential slip
and fall hazard. When the indicator light first illumi-
nates, the maximum fill amount is 1 gallon or 4 liters.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system,
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing
it can make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. Follow the above precautions to keep
your exhaust system as safe as possible.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
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 section.
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 System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle 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 made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily 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.
242 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake
fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500ÉF,
minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356ÉF, maximum
viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and
ISO 4925.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
7

WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard prolonged
braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter. Use of contaminated fluid may result in reduced
brake performance or a sudden brake failure. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIItAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
244 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the 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 inch (4.76 mm) below the
bottom of the hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 245
7

²Use Moparttouch-up paint on scratches or chips as
soon as possible. Your dealer has touch-up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
²If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.
Do not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels' protective fin-
ish.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially Aluminum, should
be cleaned regularly, using mild soap and water tomaintain their luster and to prevent corrosion. Wash
them with the same soap solution as the body of your
vehicle. Rinse the wheels thoroughly.
When cleaning extremely dirty wheels, care must be
taken in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemi-
cals and equipment to prevent damage to the wheels.
Only MopartWheel Cleaners are recommended. Any of
the ªDO NOT USEº items listed below can damage
wheels and wheel trim.
DO NOT USE:
²Any abrasive cleaner
²Any abrasive cleaning pad (such as steel wool) or
abrasive brush
²Any cleaner that contains an acid which can react with
and discolor the chrome surface.
²Oven cleaner
²A car wash that uses carbide-tipped wheel cleaning
brushes or acidic solutions.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Many wheel cleaners contain acids that may harm the
wheel surface.
Interior Care
Use MopartFabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Use MopartVinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery.
MopartVinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
vinyl trim.
Leather Seat Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an
abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and MopartTotal
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, orammonia based cleaners to clean your leather upholstery.
Application of a leather conditioner is not required to
maintain the original condition.
CAUTION!
The use of vinyl, leather or plastic protectants may
cause excessive gloss and/or discoloration of interior
trim parts.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249
7

General Cleaning
CAUTION!
Do not use any of the following to clean the top:
²Gasoline
²Paint Thinner
²Tar and Stain Removers
²Glass Cleaner
²Similar Organic Solvents
²Abrasive Type Cleaners or Bleaches
The following methods are sufficient if the top is only
lightly soiled:
Dry Cleaning
Brush the dry top with a soft-bristled brush from front to
rear of the vehicle.
Wet Cleaning
Wash with clear water or with a mild detergent and an
ample supply of luke warm water by wiping with a
soft-bristled brush or sponge from front to rear. Then
rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Allow the top to dry before lowering. Vacuuming the top
with a wet/dry shop vacuum will decrease the top's
drying time, ensure removal of all dirt, and delete streaks
in the material. Multiple cleanings may be necessary to
remove stubborn stains. If stains persist, contact your
local dealership for further suggestions.
Weather Strip Care
Lubricate all top and door glass weather strips periodi-
cally with Mopar Weather Strip Lubricant (part number
4773427), to keep them soft and pliable.
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE