The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See “Schedule B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D Off (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “O/D OFF” feature OFF when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it
is sealed and should not be tampered with. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid
level is set properly.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (21°
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50° F
(10° C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent, add as required.
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, 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 brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (If equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............204,296
Adding Fuel........................... 325
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 194
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 375
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 376
Air Conditioning.....................254,258
Air Conditioning Controls................. 258
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 258
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 377
Air Conditioning System.................. 258
Air Filter.............................. 375
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 309
Airbag................................ 47
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.........................62,204
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Airbag, Side............................ 58
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 315Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 248
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 412
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............107,296
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 204
Appearance Care........................ 393
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Transmission................... 388
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 388
Fluid Level Check...................... 388
Fluid Type........................... 388
Gear Ranges.......................... 276
Shifting............................. 275
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................... 280
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)....... 116
Auxiliary Power Outlet.................... 116
Axle Lock..........................285,286
450 INDEX
Turn Signal.....................203,410,411
Flooded Engine Starting................... 266
Fluid Capacities......................... 412
Fluid Level Checks...................... 392
Automatic Transmission................. 388
Engine Oil........................... 369
Manual Transmission................... 391
Power Steering........................ 377
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 413
Fog Light Service........................ 410
Fog Lights..........................100,410
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat.................. 90
Folding Rear Seat........................ 93
Folding Windshield...................... 187
Four Wheel Drive....................... 280
Shifting............................. 282
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 280
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 350
Front Axle (Differential)................... 392Fuel................................. 321
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 325
Filter............................... 375
Gasoline............................ 321
Gauge.............................. 202
Materials Added....................... 323
Octane Rating........................ 321
Requirements......................... 412
Tank Capacity........................ 412
Fuel System Caution................324,326,327
Fuses................................ 400
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............325,366
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 321
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 322
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 322
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 205
Fuel................................ 202
INDEX 455
10
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................70,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 378
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 376
Maintenance Procedures................... 369
Maintenance Schedule.................... 416
Schedule “A”......................... 432
Schedule “B”......................... 419
Maintenance Schedules.................... 416
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 208,366
Manual, Service......................... 444
Manual Transmission..................269,390
Fluid Level Check...................... 391
Lubricant Selection..................... 390
Shift Speeds.......................... 271
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 387
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 211
Mirrors................................ 85Outside.............................. 86
Rearview............................. 85
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 9
Modular Hard Top....................... 125
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 317
Mopar Parts.........................368,443
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 98
Navigation Radio........................ 245
Navigation System....................... 245
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 77
Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 321
Odometer..........................208,210
Trip ..........................206,208,210
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 290
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 290
INDEX 459
10