A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 113
2
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.
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 one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
Engine Oil Dipstick
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering Ð 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.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Electrical Power Outlets................... 202
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 190
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 231
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 42
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 344
Jump Starting......................... 350
Towing............................. 354
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......365,414
Engine............................362,363
Break-In Recommendations............... 112
Checking Oil Level..................... 368
Cooling............................. 381
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 321
Jump Starting......................... 350
Oil ...........................368,410,411
Oil Change Interval.................... 369Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
Oil Filter............................ 411
Oil Selection.......................... 370
Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 342
Temperature Gauge..................... 224
Timing Belt.......................... 374
Event Data Recorder...................68,102
Exhaust Gas Caution.........38,39,113,325,380,381
Exhaust System......................... 380
Fabric Care............................ 396
Filler Location Fuel...................... 224
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 375
Engine Fuel.......................... 374
Engine Oil........................371,411
Flashers.............................. 342
Hazard Warning....................... 342
454 INDEX
Schedule ªAº-Turbo.................... 433
Schedule ªBº......................... 417
Schedule ªBº-All Engines................ 417
Maintenance Schedules.................... 414
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 226,365
Manual Override, Convertible Top.........130,356
Manual, Service......................... 444
Manual Transaxle..................281,290,393
Downshifting......................... 293
Fluid Level Check...................... 393
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 393
Lubricant Selection..................... 393
Map/Reading Lights..................180,181
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 388
Mirrors............................... 131
Electric Remote....................... 133
Outside............................. 132
Rearview............................ 131
Vanity.............................. 133Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................366,443
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 181
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 112
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 60
Occupant Restraints (Convertible)............. 80
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 45
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 321
Odometer............................. 225
Trip .............................225,230
Oil, Engine.........................368,410
Capacity............................ 410
Change Interval....................... 369
Checking............................ 368
Disposal............................ 371
Filter............................... 371
Identification Logo..................... 370
INDEX 459
10
Materials Added to..................... 371
Quality............................. 370
Recommendation...................370,410
Synthetic............................ 371
Viscosity............................ 370
Oil Pressure Light....................... 229
Onboard Diagnostic System..............364,365
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 193
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 275
Overdrive............................. 287
Overheating, Engine...................... 342
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,444
Paint Care............................. 393
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 208
Panic Alarm..........................25,32
Parking Brake.......................... 294
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 164Passing Light........................... 185
Personal Settings........................ 234
Pets...............................79,112
Phone, Cellular......................... 134
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............ 134
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 306
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 40
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 400
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 202
Seats............................... 161
Steering..........................299,378
Steering, Checking..................... 378
Sunroof............................. 200
Windows............................. 43
Power Steering Fluid..................... 412
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............54,88
Preparation for Jacking.................... 346
460 INDEX