MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.5L ............. 372
Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 373
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 374
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap ................. 374
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 375
Replacement Parts ..................... 376
Dealer Service ........................ 377
Maintenance Procedures ................. 377 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 378
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 381
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 382
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 382
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 384
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 385
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 386
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 386
7
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 – 3.5L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level atregular 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 between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is
at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Checking Oil Level – 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the EnvironmentalProtection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease, such as
MOPAR Spray White Lube or equivalent, to assure
quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be
removed. Particular attention should also be given to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
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
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
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
Vanity Mirrors........................... 84
Variance, Compass ....................... 187
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 322
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 292,322,323
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations .............. 7
Vehicle Storage ....................... 238,414
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) .......... 18
Viscosity, Engine Oil ...................... 380
Voice Recognition System (VR) .............. 113
Warning Flasher, Hazard .................. 339
Warning Lights
(Instrument Cluster Description) ............. 165
Warnings and Cautions ..................... 6
Warranty Information ..................... 448
Washer, Adding Fluid ..................... 386
Washers, Windshield ................ 134,135,386
Washing Vehicle ......................... 402 Water
Driving Through ...................... 269
Wheel and Wheel Trim .................... 403
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care ................ 403
Wind Buffeting ....................... 33,151
Window Fogging ........................ 238
Windows .............................. 32
Power ............................... 32
Windshield Defroster ...................... 73
Windshield Washers ................... 134,135
Fluid ............................... 386
Windshield Wiper Blades .................. 386
Windshield Wipers ....................... 134
Wiper Blade Replacement .................. 386
Wiper, Delay ........................... 134
Wipers, Intermittent ...................... 134
10
INDEX 473