Page 426 of 552

The clear plastic housing on the Filter Minder™ allows
you to view the amount of air pressure drop across the
filter element. It consists of a diaphragm and a calibrated
spring sealed inside the plastic housing. As the air
cleaner filter becomes clogged and air pressure drop
across the filter element increases, a yellow disc travels
along a graduated scale on the side of the Filter
Minder™.
The yellow disc will always show the greatest restriction
experienced by the filter element. When the disc reaches
the red zone, the filter element may need to be replaced.
There is no other time or mileage interval for changing
the air cleaner filter element.
If the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of engine power
when being driven in heavy snow or rain or when
plowing snow, check the Filter Minder™•If the Filter Minder™ is showing a plugged filter, the
filter should be visually inspected for snow/ice build
up or extreme water saturation.
•If the filter is not damaged, remove all snow/ice,
reinstall filter and reset the Filter Minder™.
A visual inspection of the air cleaner filter element is
never recommended under normal circumstances. A
badly restricted element may appear clean while a soiled
element may be quite effective in filtering particles
without restricting air flow. Rely on the Filter Minder™
to determine when a filter change is necessary.
After a new filter element is inserted, press the rubber
button on the top of the Filter Minder™. This action will
reset the yellow disc to the clean position.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 443 of 552

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution, used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
the freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not
harmful to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
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Page 457 of 552

Selection Of Lubricant
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type. It is important that the transmis-
sion fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for the correct lubricant type. A band adjustment
and filter change should be made at the time of the oil
change.
The fluid and filter(s) should be changed and the bands
adjusted (if equipped) as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule (Section 8). Vehicles with a 5.9L Diesel Engine,
having severe usage should follow Maintenance Sched-
ule “B” of the Maintenance Schedule (Section 8).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 457
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Page 495 of 552

•Off-road or desert operation.
•Extensive operation at high engine speeds (greater
than 2900 rpm) and loads (greater than 70% throttle).
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 100,000 miles (160 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 15 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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 and add if
required. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 495
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Page 505 of 552
Miles 112,500 120,000 127,500 135,000 142,500 150,000
(Kilometers) (181 000) (193 000) (205 000) (217 000) (229 000) (241 000)
Drain and refill transfer case fluid (4X4). X
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4).X
Replace fuel filter element. X X X
Inspect front wheel bearings. X X
Inspect brake linings. X X X
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary. X X X
Adjust valve lash clearance.X
Change 6 — speed manual transmission (G-
56) fluid.X
Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid.
Replace filter and adjust bands (48RE only)X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE “B” 505
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Page 512 of 552

At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the U-Joints ( if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Lubricate outer tie rod ends (4X4) models only.
•Lubricate Front Drive Shaft Fitting ( 4X4).
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. This system will alert you when it is
time to change your engine oil by displaying the words
“Oil Change Required” on your Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC). The engine oil change indicator
system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate depending on your per-
sonal driving style. Driving styles such as frequent stop
and go type driving can increase the frequency of the
engine oil change. This is the result of more frequent
regeneration of the exhaust aftertreatment system, which
can decrease the life of the engine oil. Failure to change
the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in
internal engine damage.
512 SCHEDULE “A”
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Page 541 of 552

Instrument Cluster....................196,198
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 195
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 467
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 468
Interior Appearance Care.................. 466
Interior Lights.......................... 129
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 135
Intervention Regeneration Strategy........... 434
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 387
Jack Operation.......................... 389
Jump Starting.......................... 399
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 133
LapBelts .............................. 43
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 34
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 65
LifeofTires ............................ 340
Lights .............................. 78,128
Airbag............................ 57,199
Anti-Lock Warning..................204,324
Brake Warning........................ 203
Bulb Replacement...................473,474
Cap Top Clearance..................... 482
Cargo .............................. 132
Center Mounted Stop................... 481
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)........ 202
Courtesy/Reading..................... 142
Cruise .............................. 206
Daytime Running...................... 131
Dome.............................. 150
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 484
INDEX 541
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