Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — Gasoline Engines.....316
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........317
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............317
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................318
Replacement Parts......................319
Dealer Service.........................320
Maintenance Procedures..................320
▫Engine Oil..........................320▫Drive Belt — Check Condition............324
▫Spark Plugs.........................324
▫Catalytic Converter....................325
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........326
▫Fuel Filter..........................327
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............327
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................327
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............329
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............330
7
WARNING!
•Use 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.
•The 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 — 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.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
7
brittle 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 when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
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
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid MoparCVTF + 4
Manual Transaxle Fluid MoparATF+4 MS9602
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid +4 or MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 168
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 32
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 170
Traction Control....................... 142
Turn Signal.................. 119,122,167,358
Voltage............................. 166
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 166
Loading Vehicle......................... 284
Tires ............................... 255
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 19
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Lubrication, Body....................... 331
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 159
Lumbar Support........................ 110
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 327Maintenance, General..................... 320
Maintenance Procedures................... 320
Maintenance Schedule.................... 366
Schedule “A”......................... 378
Schedule “B”......................... 369
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 174,318
Manual, Service......................... 388
Manual Transaxle..................233,241,343
Downshifting......................... 242
Fluid Level Check...................343,344
Frequency of Fluid Change............343,344
Lubricant Selection..................343,344
Map/Reading Lights..................... 118
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 340
Mirrors ................................ 79
Electric Powered....................... 81
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 82
400 INDEX