2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA power steering fluid

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.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
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 it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.8L Engines..........................370
m4.0L Engines..........................371
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........372
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............373
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................373
mReplacement Parts......................375
mDealer Service.........................375
mMaintenance Procedures..................376NEngine Oil..........................376
NEngine Oil Filter......................379
NDrive Belt...........................379
NSpark Plugs.........................379
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................380
NCatalytic Converter....................380
NMaintenance-Free Battery................382
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............383
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............385
7

NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........385
NSteering Shaft Seal....................385
NSteering Linkage......................386
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............386
NBody Lubrication.....................386
NWindshield Wiper Blades................387
NWindshield And Rear Window Washers.....387
NExhaust System......................388
NCooling System.......................389
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......394
NBrakes.............................394
NMaster Cylinder Ð Brake Fluid Level Check . . 396
NFuel System Hoses....................397NAutomatic Transmission................398
NAll Wheel Drive (AWD) Ð If Equipped.....400
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........401
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................401
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 406
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........407
mVehicle Storage........................410
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................411
mBulb Replacement......................412
NHeadlights..........................412
NHigh Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) Ð
If Equipped.........................413
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering Ð 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.9
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 type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints are permanently sealed. No
regular maintenance is required for these components.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multi-purpose grease.
Mopar multi-purpose lubricant is recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

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 Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily 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 performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Power Transfer Unit MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90 or equivalent.
AWD Rear Carrier MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90 or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF +4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE