Page 310 of 376

Brake System
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 the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 311 of 376

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 lamp 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 only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
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 pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7
Page 315 of 376

•Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, use Mopar Wheel Cleaner or select a nonabra-
sive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel
wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only Mopar
cleaners are recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
Interior Care
Cleaning Interior Trim
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with Mopar Total Clean, then
Mopar Spot & Stain Remover if absolutely necessary.
Do not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use Mopar
Total Clean to clean vinyl upholsteryCleaning Leather Upholstery
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7
Page 348 of 376
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.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 right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
348 SCHEDULE “A”
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Page 355 of 376

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 355
9
Page 356 of 376
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
356 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 359 of 376

Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 20
Location............................ 300
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 303
B-Pillar Location....................... 231
Brake Assist System..................... 221
Brake, Parking......................... 216
Brake System.......................217,310
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 218
Fluid Check......................... 329
Hoses.............................. 310
Master Cylinder...................... 311
Parking............................ 216
Warning Light....................... 145
Brakes............................217,310
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 212
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 63
Bulb Replacement...................321,322
Bulbs,Light ........................... 321
Calibration, Compass.................... 151
Capacities, Fluid....................... 327
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 256Oil (Engine)................287,288,289,296
Car Washes........................... 314
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 253
Catalytic Converter..................... 298
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 64
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance...... 189
Cellular Phone....................... 73,188
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 326
Chains, Tire........................... 248
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 274
Chart,TireSizing ....................... 228
Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 291
Child Restraint................... 54,55,59,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors........... 57,59
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts......... 57
Child Safety Locks....................... 25
CigarLighter .......................... 126
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 251
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 315
Climate Control........................ 190
Clock ....................157,158,160,173,182
INDEX 359
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Page 361 of 376

Electrical Power Outlets...............124,125
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 113
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 222
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 147
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 274
JumpStarting ........................ 280
Towing ............................. 283
Emergency Trunk Release................. 30
Emission Control System Maintenance....291,332
Engine.........................287,288,289
Break-In Recommendations............... 63
Checking Oil Level.................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 328
Cooling ............................ 305
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 253
Fuel Requirements.................250,327
JumpStarting ........................ 280
Oil ..........................293,327,328
Oil Change Interval................... 294
Oil Filler Cap...............287,288,289,296
OilSelection ......................295,327
Oil Synthetic......................... 297Overheating......................... 272
Temperature Gauge................... 139
Event Data Recorder..................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution............... 64,253,304
Exhaust System........................ 304
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 40
FabricCare ........................315,316
Filler Location Fuel..................... 139
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Air Conditioning..................... 200
Engine Fuel......................... 299
Engine Oil.......................297,328
Flashers.............................. 272
Hazard Warning...................... 272
Turn Signal.......................... 324
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 106
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 279
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 255
Engine Oil.......................... 255
Fuel Requirements.................253,254
INDEX 361
10