
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

hood latching components to ensure proper function.
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the
lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Engine Oil” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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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S428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Headlights.................... 128
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 172
Automatic Transaxle Special Additives ...................... 400
Automatic Transmission .............262,399,400
Adding Fluid ...................... 400,423
Autostick ............................ 266
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 400
Fluid Change ......................... 400
Fluid Level Check ..................... 399
Fluid Type ........................... 423
Shifting ............................. 262
Special Additives ...................... 400
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode ..... 265
Autostick ............................. 266
Axle Fluid ............................. 423
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 423
Battery ............................... 382 Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)
....... 25
Location ............................ 382
Belts, Seat ............................ 37,73
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 385
B-Pillar Location ........................ 292
Brake Assist System ...................... 280
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 279
Brake Fluid ............................ 423
Brake, Parking .......................... 273
Brake System ........................ 276,395
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 276,279
Fluid Check ....................... 396,423
Master Cylinder ....................... 396
Parking ............................. 273
Warning Light ..................... 172,276
Brakes ............................. 276,395
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 260
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 133
10
INDEX 455

Bulb Replacement..................... 414,415
Bulbs, Light .......................... 75,414
Calibration, Compass ..................... 187
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 421
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 319
Oil (Engine) .......................... 380
Power Steering ........................ 272
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 393
Car Washes ............................ 402
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............72,318
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 322
Cellular Phone ........................ 85,232
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 419
Certification Label ....................... 322
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 351
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 288 Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
............... 375
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 71
Checks, Safety ........................... 71
Child Restraint .................... 61,63,66,68
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............65,66
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 315
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 403
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 386
Clock ........................ 193,194,198,208
Cold Weather Operation ................... 250
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 231
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 299
Compass .............................. 186
Compass Calibration ..................... 187
Compass Variance ....................... 187
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 182
456 INDEX

Checking Oil Level..................... 378
Compartment ...................... 372,373
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 390,422
Cooling ............................. 390
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 72,318
Fails to Start .......................... 251
Flooded, Starting ...................... 251
Fuel Requirements ..................... 314
Jump Starting ......................... 361
Oil ........................... 378,421,422
Oil Change Interval .................. 172,379
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 380
Oil Filter ............................ 381
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 381
Oil Selection ....................... 379,421
Oil Synthetic ......................... 381
Overheating .......................... 339
Starting ............................. 245
Temperature Gauge .................... 166 Engine Oil Viscosity
...................... 380
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 57
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 315
Event Data Recorder ...................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 72,318
Exhaust System ....................... 72,387
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 82
Exterior Lighting ........................ 127
Exterior Lights .......................... 75
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 319
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 382
Engine Oil ........................ 381,422
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 381
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 339
Turn Signal ...................... 75,130,167
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INDEX 459

Flash-To-Pass........................... 131
Flat Tire Changing ....................... 351
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 251
Fluid, Brake ........................... 423
Fluid Capacities ......................... 421
Fluid Leaks ............................. 75
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 399
Brake .............................. 396
Cooling System ....................... 390
Engine Oil ........................... 378
Power Steering ........................ 272
Fluids ................................ 422
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 422
Fog Lights .......................... 129,170
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 124
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 365
Fuel ................................. 314
Adding ............................. 319 Additives
............................ 317
Clean Air ............................ 315
Conserving .......................... 182
Ethanol ............................. 315
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 319
Gasoline ............................ 314
Gauge .............................. 165
Materials Added ....................... 317
Methanol ............................ 315
Octane Rating ...................... 314,422
Requirements ......................... 314
Saver Mode .......................... 182
Specifications ......................... 422
Tank Capacity ........................ 421
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 182
Fuel Saver ............................. 182
Fuel System Caution ..................... 320
Fueling ............................... 319
Fuses ................................ 407
460 INDEX