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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
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NFront Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights.............................413
NFront Fog Light......................414
NRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker And
Back-Up Lights.......................415
NLicense Light........................415mFluids And Capacities...................416
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........417
NEngine.............................417
NChassis............................418
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3.8L ENGINES
Engine Compartment 3.8L Engines
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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4.0L ENGINES
Engine Compartment 4.0L Engine
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
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Page 372 of 457

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into a qualified Dealer-
ship Service center, check first to see if the fuel filler cap
is possibly loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A
loose fuel filler cap message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is
properly tightened. Press the odometer reset button to
turn the message off. If the problem persists, the message
will appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the
problem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn
on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in
to a qualified Dealership Service center.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
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Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off theignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnot
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
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