28. Oil Level Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the oil level indicator
light comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running. If the light does
not go out, or comes on while driving, the engine oil
level has dropped to approximately the minimum
mark on the dipstick.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position, press the knob to the left of the speedometer
once and wait 7 seconds. An ISO oil level icon appears in
the trip odometer window and a ªclockº icon in the
cumulative odometer display. Pressing the knob to the
left of the speedometer twice within one second displays
one of the following messages:²OK
²-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
²-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
²-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
²HI
The indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon and
ªclockº icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the ªfullº mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (7.5
liters), this symbol will light and remains lit until
fuel is added.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 125
4
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
technician.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
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 engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
You can check the oil level using the procedure described
in Checking Engine Oil Level in the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section, or by checking the engine oil
dipstick.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed 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. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart of oil when the reading is at the
MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on this engine.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on a
regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled).
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. See the procedure de-
scribed in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under
Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section.
Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Inspect wiper blade condition.
²Check operation of lighting systems.
²Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
²
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
278 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Defroster, Windshield..................... 56
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 229
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 234
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 205
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 102
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........... 99
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 194
Jump Starting........................ 203
Overheating......................... 194
Towing............................. 206
Emergency Trunk Release................. 20
Emission Control System Maintenance....223,273
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 55
Checking Oil Level.................... 225
Compartment........................ 221
Oil .............................225,267Oil Change Interval................... 227
Oil Selection......................... 228
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 55
Exhaust System........................ 237
Exterior Lights......................... 259
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 229
Air Conditioning..................... 280
Engine Fuel......................... 229
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Fluid Capacities.....................265,267
Fluid Leaks............................ 57
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 245
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 268
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 194
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 206
Fuel................................. 186
Adding............................. 189
Additives........................... 188
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 189
Filter.............................. 229
292 INDEX
Rearview............................ 77
Vanity.............................. 79
Monitor, Tire Pressure System...........93,181
Mopar Parts........................224,285
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 88
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Oil, Engine........................... 225
Change Interval...................... 227
Checking........................... 225
Disposal............................ 228
Filter.............................. 228
Materials Added to.................... 228
Recommendation..................... 228
Oil Filter, Selection...................... 228
Onboard Diagnostic System............222,223
Overheating, Engine..................... 194
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual)......... 286
Paint Care............................ 246
Parking Brake......................... 156
Passing Light........................... 90
Pets.................................. 54Pets, Transporting....................... 54
Power
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 75
Steering.........................166,233
Steering, Checking.................... 233
Windows............................ 21
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Program Mode Selector Switch............. 154
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............108,109
Radial Ply Tires........................ 178
Radio Antenna......................... 134
Radio Operation....................... 135
Radio (Sound Systems)................... 126
Rear Liftgate........................... 23
Rear Spoiler............................ 96
Reformulated Gasoline................... 187
Refrigerant............................ 233
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 14
Replacement Tires...................... 179
Reporting Safety Defects................. 285
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST) . . . 139,140
INDEX 295
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