Page 403 of 502
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 3.8L
1 — Integrated Power Module7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Battery 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
Page 408 of 502

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up 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. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a
reading at the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 426 of 502

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
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 427 of 502

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
Page 486 of 502

Child Seat.............................. 65
Climate Control ......................... 264
Clock ........................ 220,234,238,247
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 263
Compass .............................. 213
Compass Calibration ..................... 215
Computer, Trip/Travel .................212,213
Console .............................. 109
Console, Floor .......................... 109
Contract, Service ........................ 475
Cooling System ......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 418
Coolant Capacity ...................... 447
Coolant Level ......................... 420
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 417
Inspection ........................... 416
Points to Remember .................... 420
Pressure Cap ......................... 419 Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)
.........417,447
Corrosion Protection ..................... 428
Cruise Light ........................... 205
Cupholders ............................ 108
Customer Assistance ..................... 473
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 59
Daytime Running Lights ................... 97
Dealer Service .......................... 405
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 193
Defroster, Windshield ................76,265,267
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 100
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 402
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .................. 96
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 406
Power Steering ........................ 314
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 397
Disarming, Theft System ................... 18
484 INDEX
Page 493 of 502

Maintenance Schedule.................... 452
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine) ....................... 210,403
Manual, Service ......................... 477
Manual Transmission .................. 281,426
Fluid Level Check ..................... 426
Lubricant Selection ..................... 426
Shift Speeds .......................... 282
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 422
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 212,213
Mirrors ................................ 81
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 81
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Modular Hard Top ....................... 115
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 351
Mopar Parts ......................... 404,476
Multi-Function Control Lever ................ 94New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 73
Occupant Restraints ....................... 38
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 356
Odometer ............................. 207
Trip ............................. 206,207
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 300
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 300
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 209
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 209
Oil, Engine ............................ 406
Capacity ............................ 447
Dipstick ............................. 406
Filter ............................... 408
Identification Logo ..................... 407
Materials Added to ..................... 408
Pressure Warning Light .................. 201
Recommendation ................... 407,447
Viscosity ......................... 408,447
10
INDEX 491