Page 448 of 523

Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and fittings have unique material characteristics
that provide adequate sealing and resist attack by dete-
riorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and fittings, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace any damaged hoses or fittings that have
been removed during service. Care should be taken with
installing fittings to ensure they are properly installed
and fully connected. See your authorized dealer for
service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 449 of 523

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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
7
Page 450 of 523

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
Page 451 of 523

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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449
7
Page 456 of 523

•Use Mopartouch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
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 Mopar
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
Mopar or 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 not
use protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Cleaning Interior Trim
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with Mopar Total Clean, then
Mopar Spot & Stain Remover if absolutely necessary. Do
not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use Mopar Total
Clean to clean vinyl upholstery
Cleaning Leather Upholstery
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 460 of 523
CAUTION!
•When installing the power module cover, it is
important to ensure the cover is properly posi-
tioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may
allow water to get into the TIPM, and possibly
result in an electrical system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J1 40 Amp Green —Power Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp Pink —Transfer Case Module
- if equipped
J3 30 Amp Pink —Rear Door Module
J4 25 Amp White —Driver Door Node
J5 25 Amp White —Passenger Door Node
J6 40 Amp Green —Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Pump/
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 461 of 523
CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J7 30 Amp Pink —Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Valve/
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)
J8 40 Amp Green —Power Memory Seat -
if equipped
J9 40 Amp Green —Flex Fuel/PZEV Mo-
tor - if equipped
J10 30 Amp Pink —(If Equipped) Head-
lamp Washer Relay-
(BUX), Manual Tun-
ing Valve
J11 30 Amp Pink —(If Equipped) Sway
Bar/Thatchum Secu-
rity (BUX)/Power
Sliding DoorCavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
J13 60 Amp Yellow —Ignition Off Draw
(IOD) Main
J14 40 Amp Green —Electric Back Light
(EBL)
J15 30 Amp Pink —Rear Blower - if
equipped
J17 40 Amp Green —Starter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp Yellow — NGC (Powertrain
Control Module)/
Transmission Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow —Radiator Fan Motor
J20 30 Amp Pink —Front Windshield
Wiper Hi/Low
J21 20 Amp Blue —Front/Rear Washer
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
7
Page 466 of 523
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