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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 the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature, the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
If the transmission overheats, a “HOTOIL” message will
be displayed in the odometer and a chime will sound.To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.
Do not overfill.After
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adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (21°
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50° F
(10° C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading. 7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
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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CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance-free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
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 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
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
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (A) when the vehicle is in a level position.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Adding Fluid
Fluid should be added only at filler hole until fluid
begins to run out of the hole.
Drain
First remove the fill plug (B), then the drain plug (C). The
recommended tightening torque for the drain and fill
plugs is 15 to 25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When replacing the plugs, do not overtighten them.
You could damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at the bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
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Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Maintenance After Off-Road Driving
After extended operation in mud, sand or water, or
similar dirty conditions, have your brake drums, brake
linings, and axle joints inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. This will prevent any abrasive material from
causing excessive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Following off-road usage, completely inspect the under-
body of your vehicle. Check the tires, body structure,
steering, suspension and exhaust system for damage.
Check the threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly
on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering and sus-
pension. Retighten, if required, to torque values specified
in the Service Manual. Also check for accumulations of
vegetation or brush that could become a fire hazard, orconceal damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion
seals, and propeller shafts. Check the air conditioning
drain tube on the lower dash wall in the engine compart-
ment for mud or debris, and clean as required. A plugged
tube will adversely affect air conditioning performance.CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants, and lubricate body compo-
nents more often than in normal service to prevent
excessive wear.
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
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — Two Door Models 18.5 Gallons 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — Four Door Models 22.5 Gallons 85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.8 Liter Engine 6 Quarts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.8 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 13 Quarts
12 Liters
* Includes coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs RE14PLP5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Manual Transmission MOPARManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224).
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Front) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) 226 RBI (Model 44)- MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API
GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use MOPAR Synthetic Gear & Axle
Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-Lok™
require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent.
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