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
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Page 312 of 376

Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
All automatic transaxles (with the exception of the trans-
axle with the 3.5L engine, which has no dipstick and is
dealer service only) are equipped with a conventional
filler tube and dipstick. If fluid is added, it should be
added through the dipstick hole in the case.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle with 3.5L
engine, should be checked only by a trained technician.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transaxle.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be
between the lower two holes in the area marked
“COLD”.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 318 of 376
FUSES/TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
(TIPM)
A Totally Integrated Power Module is located in the
engine compartment near the air cleaner assembly. This
center contains cartridge fuses and mini fuses. A label
that identifies each component may be printed on the
inside of the cover. Refer to the graphic below for
FUSES/TIPM location.
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
1 40 Amp
GreenPower Top Feed
2 20 Amp
YellowAWD—IfAppli-
cable, ECU Feed
3 10 Amp
RedCHMSL Brake Switch
Feed
4 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch Feed
5 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow
6 10 Amp
RedIOD Sw/Pwr Mir/
Ocm Steering Cntrl
Sdar/Hfm
7 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense1
8 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense2
9 40 Amp
GreenPower Seats
Fuse and Relay Center (TIPM)
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 324 of 376
Tail Lamps, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lamps — Replacement
The tail lamps are a two piece design. The turn signal,
brake and tail lamps are located in the rear corner body
panel housing. The back up and tail lamps are located in
the trunk lid housing.
Changing the Rear Corner Tail Lamp Bulbs
1. Open the trunk and gently pull back the trunk liner
behind the tail lamp
Split Tail Lamp Assembly
Pull Back Trunk Liner
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 329 of 376
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
7
Page 334 of 376
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake/
clutch master cylinder, and manual transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
CAUTION!
Do not check the automatic transaxle fluid. It must
be check by a trained service technician every 15,000
miles and if required only the recommended fluid
be added. Refer to the section “Fluids, Lubricants
And Genuine Parts” for the proper fluid.
334 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 337 of 376
Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (30 000) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000)
Change engine oil and oil filter,or at 3 months,
whichever comes first.X X XXX
Replace the air cleaner filter.X
Rotate tires. X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XXX
Inspect brake linings. X
Replace Spark Plugs:2.4L EngineX
SCHEDULE “B” 337
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