Page 402 of 493

could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 l) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or
SM/CF, and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-10725.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 408 of 493

include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove the used
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 478 of 493

Flash-To-Pass........................... 139
Flooded Engine Starting................... 311
Floor Console.......................... 194
Fluid, Brake........................... 440
Fluid Capacities......................... 438
Fluid Leaks............................. 78
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 418
Brake............................... 417
Cooling System....................... 411
Engine Oil........................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Fluids................................ 439
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 439
Fog Lights..........................138,205
Folding Rear Seat........................ 127
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 389
Fuel................................. 367
Adding............................. 371Additives............................ 369
Clean Air............................ 367
Ethanol............................. 367
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 371
Gasoline............................ 367
Gauge.............................. 211
Materials Added....................... 369
Methanol............................ 367
Octane Rating......................367,439
Requirements......................... 367
Specifications......................... 439
Tank Capacity........................ 438
Fuel System Caution..................... 371
Fueling............................... 371
Fuses................................ 424
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 181
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............371,397
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 367
476 INDEX
Page 490 of 493

Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 40
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 39
Turn Signals.........................139,205
UCI Connector......................... 276
UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 88
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 466
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 276
Universal Transmitter..................... 181
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 367
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt.............. 48
Vanity Mirrors........................... 87
Variance, Compass....................... 227
Vehicle Certification Label................. 373
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading...................343,373,375
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage.......................300,431Vehicle Theft Alarm
(Security Alarm)......................... 18
Video Entertainment System™
(Rear Seat Video System).................. 288
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................... 401
Voice Recognition System (VR).............. 116
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 378
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description)............. 205
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 464
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 408
Washers, Windshield................142,143,408
Washing Vehicle......................... 420
Water
Driving Through...................... 324
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 421
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care................ 421
488 INDEX