Page 320 of 399

Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, 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 can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of this manufacturers 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. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belt ± Check Condition
Check the drive belt condition. Refer to the ªMaintenance
Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual.
Inspect the drive belt for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace belt if any sign of damage which
could result in belt failure.
The belt is self-tensioning and will not need adjustment.
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 spark plug information.
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 325 of 399
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.
If a ªfast chargerº is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a ªfast
chargerº to provide starting voltage as battery dam-
age can result.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
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Page 339 of 399

Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only the manufacturer's recommended transmission
fluid which has been formulated with special metal to
metal friction coefficient additives to provide the proper
steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys. Refer
to ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº for correct
fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for the correct change interval.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) Fluid
(CVTF+4). CVTF+4 is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº
for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
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Page 346 of 399

Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft tissue.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 368 of 399

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs (2.0L/2.4L Engines).30,000 50 000 30
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).48,000 80 000 48
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the timing belt (2.4L engines).102,000 170 000 102
368 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 369 of 399
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 369
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Page 383 of 399

Ball Joints............................. 327
Battery............................... 324
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Belts, Drive............................ 320
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 327
B-Pillar Location........................ 252
Brake Assist System...................... 128
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 127
Brake Fluid............................ 362
Brake, Parking.......................... 241
Brake System........................243,335
Anti-Lock (ABS).................126,127,244
Hoses.............................. 336
Master Cylinder....................... 337
Parking............................. 241
Warning Light........................ 163
Brakes.............................243,335
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 233
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 65Bulb Replacement.....................350,351
Bulbs, Light............................ 350
Calibration, Compass..................... 180
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 360
Capacities, Fluid........................ 360
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 279
Oil (Engine).......................312,319
Car Washes............................ 342
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 278
Cargo Area Cover....................... 150
Cargo Area Features...................... 148
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 148
Luggage Carrier....................... 154
Cargo Light............................ 148
Cargo Load Floor........................ 150
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 151
INDEX 383
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Page 384 of 399

Carrier, Luggage........................ 154
Catalytic Converter...................... 321
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 66
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............183,190
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 214
Cellular Phone........................76,214
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 358
Chains, Tire............................ 265
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 298
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 249
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 314
Child Restraint.......................... 57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 61
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 60
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Child Seat.............................. 63
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 276
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 343Climate Control......................... 214
Clock........................182,185,193,205
Clutch............................... 337
Clutch Fluid........................... 337
Coin Holder........................... 147
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 214
Compact Spare Tire...................... 260
Compass.............................. 180
Compass Calibration..................... 180
Compass Variance....................... 178
Console.............................. 147
Contract, Service........................ 374
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................360,361
Cooling System......................... 329
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 331
Coolant Level......................330,333
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 333
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 330
Inspection........................... 333
384 INDEX