Page 244 of 454

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº
in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 351 of 454
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine Compartment................354
m2.7L Engine Compartment................355
m3.5L Engine Compartment................356
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........357
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............358
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................358
mReplacement Parts......................360
mDealer Service.........................360mMaintenance Procedures..................361
NEngine Oil..........................361
NEngine Oil Filter......................365
NDrive Belt...........................365
NSpark Plugs.........................365
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................365
NCatalytic Converter....................366
NMaintenance-Free Battery................367
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............369
7
Page 352 of 454

NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............370
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............371
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............372
NSteering Linkage......................372
NBody Lubrication.....................372
NWindshield Wiper Blades................373
NWindshield Washers...................374
NExhaust System......................374
NCooling System.......................375
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......381
NFuel System.........................381
NBrake System........................381
NAutomatic Transaxle...................384NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........387
NAppearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................387
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 392
mConvertible Top Care....................393
NSoft Top............................393
NWeather Strip Care Ð Soft & Hard Top......395
mFuses (Totally Integrated Power Module)......395
mVehicle Storage........................400
mReplacement Bulbs......................400
mBulb Replacement......................401
NLow Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight . . 401
NFront Turn Signal/Park Light.............402
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 364 of 454

Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 365 of 454

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belt
At the mileage indicated in section 8: ªMaintenance
Scheduleº, replace the drive belt with a new drive belt.
NOTE:The belt must be routed correctly to ensure
proper drive function.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in
this section for the proper type of spark plug for use in
your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for engine air cleaner filter maintenance inter-
vals.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªdusty or off-road condi-
tionsº maintenance interval if applicable.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7
Page 370 of 454

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.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for A/C Air Filter service intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C Air Filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.The A/C Air Filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind
the glove box. Perform the following procedure to re-
place the filter:
1. Open the glove box and remove all contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove box and lower the
door.
3. Disconnect the glove box door dampener from the slot
on the side of the box. This is done by grasping the
dampener connector (on the outside of the box) and the
end of the connector pin (on the inside of the box) with
your thumb and forefinger and pulling outward while
lightly lifting upward on the door with your other hand.
Once disconnected, the dampener will retract under-
neath the instrument panel if you release it.
4. Pivot the glove box downward.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 371 of 454
5. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter
cover to the HVAC housing and remove the cover.
6. Remove the A/C Air Filter by pulling it straight out of
the housing.7. Install the A/C Air Filter with the arrow on the filter
pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
CAUTION!
The A/C Air Filter is labeled with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure
to install the filter properly will result in the need to
replace it more often.
8. Reinstall the glove box door dampener and glove box.
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
A/C Air Filter Replacement
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7
Page 386 of 454

CAUTION!
²Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer's recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Partsº for the correct fluid type.
²Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this
manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transaxle is
disassembled for any reason.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE