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Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped dipstick tube that
is sealed and it should not be tampered with. Your
authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the
fluid level is set properly.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
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 Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
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 transmission. 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.
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Manual Transmission Ð If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16º (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer's recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
fluid becomes contaminated with water. Change the fluid
immediately if contaminated with water.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªtrailer tow, snow plow,
heavy load, taxi, police, commercial service, off-road,
desert, or sustained high speeds during hot weatherº
maintenance interval if applicable.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (1) when the vehicle is in a level position.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 427 of 493
Adding Fluid
Fluid should be added only at filler hole until fluid
begins to run out of the hole.
Draining Fluid
First remove fill plug (2), then drain plug (3). Recom-
mended tightening torque for drain and fill plugs is
15±25 ft.lbs. (20±34 N´m).
CAUTION!
Do not over-tighten the plugs. You could damage
them and cause a leak.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer's recommended fluid. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
fluid becomes contaminated with water. Change the fluid
immediately if contaminated with water.
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NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
The lubricant level should be at bottom edge of the oil fill
hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer's recommended lubricant. Refer
to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the lubricant in-
stalled at the factory will give satisfactory lubrication forthe life of the vehicle. Lubricant changes are not neces-
sary unless the lubricant becomes contaminated with
water. Change the lubricant immediately if contaminated
with water.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
²Road salt, dirt, and moisture accumulation.
²Stone and gravel impact.
²Insects, tree sap, and tar.
²Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
²Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
²Bird droppings.
Washing
²
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MopartCar Wash or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
²If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MopartSuper Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
²Use MopartCleaner Wax to remove road film, stains,
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
²Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
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CAUTION!
²Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
²Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274
kPa) can result in damage or removal of paint and
decals.
Special Care
²
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
²It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels, and tailgate must be kept
clear and open.
²If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
²If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause, which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., assure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
²Use MopartTouch Up Paint or equivalent on
scratches or chips as soon as possible. Your authorized
dealer has touch up paint to match the color of your
vehicle.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use Mopart
Wheel Cleaner (05066247AB) or equivalent or select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only
Mopartor equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven
cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels'
protective finish.
Interior Care
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do notuse protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Cleaning Interior Trim
Clean interior trim with a damp cloth and Mopar Total
Clean, and if necessary, follow with Mopar Spot & Stain
Remover. Do not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use
Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
MopartTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MopartTotal Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not
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use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia-based cleaners to clean leather upholstery. Ap-
plication of a leather conditioner is not required to
maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
YES EssentialstFabric Cleaning Procedure ± If
Equipped
YES Essentialstseats may be cleaned in the following
manner:
²Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
²Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
²For tough stains, apply MopartTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove the soap
residue.
²For grease stains, apply MopartMulti-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove the soap residue.
²Do not use any solvents or protectants on Yes Essen-
tialstproducts.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE