The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking. Engine Oil Dipstick MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7
WARNING!² Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
² Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPAR t DOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking. You could
have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture. CAUTION!Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Fluid Level Check Ð Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player .......... 220,223
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 134
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle ................. 397,398
Oil (Engine) .......................... 374
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 362
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 392
Engine Oil ........................... 378
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 143
Drive Belts ............................ 378
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces .................... 288
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water .............................. 289
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 239 E-85 Fuel ............................. 324
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 256
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 153
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 140
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 283
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 181
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking ............................. 350
Jump Starting ......................... 358
Towing ............................. 362
Emergency Trunk Release ................. 39,40
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 372,426
Engine ........................ 78,368,369,370
Air Cleaner .......................... 379
Block Heater ......................... 266
Break-In Recommendations ................ 78
Checking Oil Level ..................... 374
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 389,422448 INDEX
MP3 Player ......................... 220,223
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 321
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 130
Navigation Radio ........................ 223
Navigation System ....................... 223
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 78
Occupant Restraints ..................... 59,62
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ......... 40,54,55,59,60
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 319
Odometer ............................. 172
Trip ............................. 172,174
Oil Change Indicator ................ 173,184,426
Oil Change Indicator, Reset .............. 173,184
Oil, Engine ......................... 374,422
Capacity ............................ 420
Change Interval ............... 173,184,376,426
Checking ............................ 374 Dipstick ............................. 374
Disposal ............................ 378
Filter ............................ 378,422
Filter Disposal ........................ 378
Identification Logo ..................... 376
Materials Added to ..................... 378
Recommendation ................... 376,420
Synthetic ............................ 377
Viscosity .......................... 377,420
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 378
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 378
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 171
Onboard Diagnostic System .............. 371,372
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink t ) ........... 143
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual) ............ 4
Overdrive .......................... 271,272
Overheating, Engine ...................... 348
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual) ......... 4,440 INDEX 455
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