Page 325 of 411
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L Turbo......... 325
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II....... 326
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 326
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 327
Replacement Parts..................... 328
Dealer Service........................ 329
Maintenance Procedures................. 329
▫Engine Oil......................... 329▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 332
▫Maintenance-Free Battery............... 333
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 335
▫Body Lubrication..................... 336
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 336
▫Adding Washer Fluid.................. 337
▫Exhaust System...................... 337
▫Cooling System...................... 339
▫Brake System....................... 345
7
Page 332 of 411

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
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. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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 require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-10725.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
engine oil, such as Mobil 1SAE 0W-40 or equivalent.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 337 of 411

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.
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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 repairman.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
7
Page 339 of 411

avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment, be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent only (not engine coolant
(antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir,
take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel
and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade
performance. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield
washer system in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of
your climate. This rating information can be found on
most washer fluid containers.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7
Page 398 of 411

Oil Filter............................ 360
Oil Selection.......................... 330
Overheating.......................... 306
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 57
Ethanol............................... 297
Event Data Recorder...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution............35,70,300,337,338
Exhaust System......................... 337
Filler Location Fuel...................... 164
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 332
Engine Oil........................332,360
Flashers.............................. 306
Hazard Warning....................... 306
Turn Signal........................170,357
Flooded Engine Starting................... 251
Fluid, Brake........................... 361Fluid Capacities......................... 359
Fluid Leaks............................. 72
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................... 345
Power Steering........................ 258
Fluids................................ 360
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 360
Fog Lights.......................124,171,356
Folding Rear Seat........................ 119
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 119
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 319
Front Position Light...................... 356
Fuel..............................296,360
Adding............................. 301
Additives............................ 299
Capacity............................ 359
Clean Air............................ 297
Ethanol............................. 297
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................164,301
396 INDEX