Page 350 of 494

Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four—speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStickshould be selected.
NOTE:Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
If youREGULARLY TOWa trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.NOTE:Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoSticksix—speed transmission
is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
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.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 373 of 494
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Gas Engine Compartment.............374
2.7L Gas Engine Compartment.............375
3.5L Engine Compartment................376
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........377
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............377
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................378
Replacement Parts......................379
Authorized Dealer Service................380Maintenance Procedures..................380
▫Engine Oil..........................380
▫Engine Oil Filter......................384
▫DriveBelt...........................384
▫Spark Plugs.........................385
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................385
▫Catalytic Converter....................385
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................387
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............388
7
Page 374 of 494

▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............389
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............391
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............391
▫Steering Linkage......................392
▫Body Lubrication.....................392
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................392
▫Windshield Washers...................393
▫Exhaust System......................393
▫Cooling System.......................394
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......400
▫Fuel System.........................400
▫Brake System........................400
▫Automatic Transaxle...................403▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........406
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................406
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 411
Fuses/Totally Integrated Power Module
(TIPM)..............................412
Vehicle Storage........................417
Replacement Bulbs......................417
Bulb Replacement......................418
▫Headlight Bulb Replacement.............418
▫Head Light Assembly Removal —
Bulb Replacement.....................420
▫Front Turn Signal/Park Light.............422
▫FrontFogLight ......................422
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 385 of 494

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for
your vehicle.
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 “Engine Com-
partment” 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.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred for all operating
temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the
recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.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 “Engine Com-
partment” 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7
Page 387 of 494

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 “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for the proper type of spark plug for use in
your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for engine air cleaner filter maintenance inter-
vals.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the “dusty or off-road condi-
tions” maintenance interval if applicable.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7
Page 431 of 494
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Engine U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
All FWD Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 gallons 64 liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.4 gallons 69.7 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 quarts 4.26 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.7.7 quarts 7.3 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.9.8 quarts 9.3 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.11.6 quarts 11.0 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7
Page 432 of 494

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine CoolantMoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (2.4L & 2.7L)Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Mate-
rial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.5L)Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the
engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter (2.4L) Mopar04884900AB or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L & 3.5L) Mopar04884899AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L - EXCEPT PZEV*) ZFR5F-11 (Gap.043 in [1.11 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4L— with PZEV ZFR5AP (Gap.031 in [0.8 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.7L) RE14PMC5 (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (2.4L & 2.7L) 87 Octane
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 454 of 494

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 282
Accessory Delay, Power.................... 13
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 396
Adding Fuel........................... 332
Adding Washer Fluid..................140,393
Additives, Fuel......................... 326
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 385
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 388
Air Conditioning........................ 243
Air Conditioning Controls................. 243
Air Conditioning Filter.................256,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 257
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............388,389
Air Conditioning System.............243,248,388
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 304
Airbag.............................. 52,61
Airbag Deployment....................... 62
Airbag Light................... 53,60,65,79,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64Airbag, Side........................ 54,59,61
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 55,59,61
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 18,173
Alignment and Balance................... 312
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 235
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........395,396,429
Disposal............................ 398
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 282
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 282
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 406
Ashtray............................... 156
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Audio Systems (Radio).................222,225
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows................ 36,153
452 INDEX