Page 200 of 376

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either theFLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
The filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel and
agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. The filter ’s normal service life is
12,000 miles (20,000 km) or one year. The air filter change
schedule coincides with that for engine oil and filter. As
with oil changes, the interval is shorter for heavy duty
service or dusty conditions. See your authorized dealer
for service.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 285 of 376

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine Compartment...............287
2.7L Engine Compartment...............288
3.5L Engine Compartment...............289
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......290
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............290
Emissions Inspection And
Maintenance Programs
..................291
Replacement Parts.....................292
Dealer Service........................292
Maintenance Procedures.................293
▫Engine Oil..........................293
▫Spark Plugs.........................297▫Catalytic Converter....................298
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........299
▫Fuel Filter..........................299
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............299
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................300
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............301
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............302
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............302
▫Body Lubrication.....................303
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................303
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............304
7
Page 297 of 376

Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certified and have the recom-
mended SAE viscosity grade. Follow the maintenance
schedule that describes your driving type.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to the Engine data Label located under the
hood for the proper type of spark plug for use in your
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
7
Page 299 of 376

•Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary. The fuel
filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your dealer for
service.
Air Cleaner Element (Filter)
Under normal driving conditions, replace the filter at the
intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you drive
the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe conditions,
the filter element should be inspected periodically and
replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule
“B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7
Page 327 of 376
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.4L, 2.7L and 3.5 Liter Engine 16.9 gallons 64 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 quarts 4.26 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.7.7 quarts. 7.3 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.9.8 quarts. 9.3 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.11.6 quarts. 11.0 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7
Page 328 of 376
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (2.4 & 2.7 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Mate-
rial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.5 Liter) Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the
engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter (2.4 Liter) Mopar04884900AB or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7 & 3.5 Liter) Mopar05281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (2.4 & 2.7 Liter) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (3.5 Liter) 87 to 89 Octane
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Page 336 of 376
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000)
Change engine oil and oil filter,or at 3 months,
whichever comes first.X X XXX
Inspect engine air cleaner filter,replace if neces-
sary.X
Rotate tires. X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and correct
stowage.XX
336 SCHEDULE “B”
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S