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Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid
when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replacedimmediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place, resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the Brake System Warning Light indicates system
failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
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Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to 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.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
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 — Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Fluid Level Check — Vehicles with 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
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Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this
manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transaxle is
disassembled for any reason.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only manufacturer ’s recommended transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushesshould be used in any transaxle; only the approved
lubricant may be used.
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 transaxle. 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.
Front and Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
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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.
Cleaning The Cupholders
Clean with a damp cloth or towel using a mild detergent.
FUSES (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER
MODULE)
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located
in the engine compartment near the air cleaner assembly.
This center contains fuses and relays.
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
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CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
M37
—10 Amp
Red
Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Electronic
Stability Program
(ESP), STOP LIGHT
Switch
M38 —25 Amp
Natural Lock/Unlock Motors
K1
—— Ignition Run/
Accessory Relay
K2 — — Ignition Run Relay
K3 — — Starter Solenoid Relay
K4 —— Ignition Run/Start
Relay
K5 —— (NGC) Powertrain
Control Module Relay
K6 —— Electric Back Light
(EBL) Relay
K7 — — —
K8 — — —
K9 — — Rear Blower Relay
K10 —— ASD Relay (Feed for
M19 and M21)
K11 —— Radiator Fan Relay
Low Speed
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:
•Remove the IOD (Ignition Off-Draw) mini-fuses from
the Totally Integrated Power Module located in the
engine compartment.
•Or, disconnect the batter negative cable.
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
ComponentU.S.Metric
Fuel (approximate)
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Models with 2.4 Liter PZEV Engine 18.5 gal70 l
FWD Models without 2.4 Liter PZEV Engine 20.5 gal77.6 l
All-Wheel Drive Models 21.1 gal79.8 l
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 qts4.26 l
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 qts5.2 l
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 qts5.2 l
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System
(Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equiva-
lent 7.9 qts
7.5 l
2.4 Liter Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent 9.8 qts
9.3 l
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ComponentU.S.Metric
2.7 Liter Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System
(Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equiva-
lent 9.8 qts
9.3 l
2.7 Liter Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent 12 qts
11.4 l
3.5 Liter Engine and Single- or Dual-Zone Climate Control System
(Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equiva-
lent 9.8 qts
9.3 l
3.5 Liter Engine and Three-Zone Climate Control System (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent 12 qts
11.4 l
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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