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WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Fluid Level Check – 2.4L and 2.7L Engines
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission 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 into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
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CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.5L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
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.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 399 of 448
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Fuel Selection – 2.4L and 2.7L En-
gines 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 3.5L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable – 89 Octane Recommended
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR
DOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake flu-
ids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 403 of 448
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine except PZEV*).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, and replace as necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped).
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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114,000 Miles (190,000 km) or
114 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine except PZEV*).
❏ Inspect the brake linings, and replace as necessary.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect the exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter.
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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Page 430 of 448

Automatic Transaxle..............12,243,246,374
Adding Fluid ................... 375,376,398
Filter ............................... 376
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 376
Fluid Level Check ................... 375,376
Interlock System ....................... 249
Reset Mode .......................... 252
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 398
Shifting ............................. 249
Special Additives ...................... 376
Autostick ............................. 253
Battery ............................... 358
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location ............................ 358
Belts, Seat .............................. 82
Beverage Cooler ........................ 140
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 362B-Pillar Location
........................ 278
Brake Assist System ...................... 265
Brake, Parking .......................... 259
Brake System ........................... 372
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 262
Fluid Check ....................... 372,398
Master Cylinder ....................... 372
Parking ............................. 259
Warning Light ........................ 152
Brakes ............................... 372
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 248
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 79
Bulb Replacement ..................... 388,389
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,388
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 19
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 396
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