Page 299 of 467

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 it 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5
Page 361 of 467
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 3.8L...............364
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........365
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............366
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................366
Replacement Parts......................368
Dealer Service.........................368
Maintenance Procedures..................369
▫Engine Oil..........................369▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 372
▫Spark Plugs.........................373
▫Catalytic Converter....................373
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........375
▫Fuel Filter..........................375
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................375
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................376
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............376
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............377
7
Page 362 of 467

▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................378
▫Body Lubrication.....................378
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................379
▫Windshield Washers...................379
▫Exhaust System......................380
▫Cooling System.......................380
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......385
▫Brake System........................386
▫Automatic Transmission................388
▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission........................390
▫Manual Transmission..................390
▫Transfer Case........................391▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................392
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................393
Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module)......400
Vehicle Storage........................407
Replacement Bulbs — If Equipped...........408
Bulb Replacement......................409
▫Head Light..........................409
▫Front Park/Turn Signal.................410
▫Front Side Marker.....................410
▫Front Fog Light......................410
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Back-Up
Lights.............................411
▫Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . . 411
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 377 of 467

include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
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
additional 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7
Page 378 of 467

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
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 type.
NOTE:Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period 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.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
All driveline and steering components are sealed and do
not require lubrication. Driveshafts are not serviceable.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate 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
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 386 of 467

are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
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 surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 414 of 467
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MoparManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Front) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear)198 RBI (Model 35) and 226 RBI (Model 44)- MoparGear & Axle Lubri-
cant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use Mopar
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models
equipped with Trac-Lok require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 451 of 467

Battery............................... 376
Emergency Starting..................... 356
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Belts, Drive............................ 372
Belts, Seat.............................. 37
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 378
Brake Assist System...................... 108
Brake Assist Warning Light................. 209
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 107
Brake System........................... 386
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................107,296
Hoses.............................. 386
Master Cylinder....................... 387
Parking............................. 295
Warning Light........................ 204
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 275
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 77
Bulb Replacement.....................408,409Capacities, Fluid........................ 412
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 325
Power Steering........................ 377
Car Washes............................ 394
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 324
Cargo Light............................ 97
Catalytic Converter...................... 373
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 78
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 251
Cellular Phone.......................... 252
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 411
Certification Label....................... 328
Chains, Tire............................ 315
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 352
Charging System Light.................... 202
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 301
INDEX 451
10