Page 364 of 450

WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post, and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked (+)
positive and (-) negative and are identified on the
battery case.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
Page 365 of 450

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 repairman.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oils and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and is an ozone-saving prod-
uct. However, the manufacturer recommends that air
conditioning service be performed by authorized dealers
or other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
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
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 375 of 450

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is on. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the
master cylinder area before removing the cap. With disc
brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check the system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 433 of 450

Adding Fuel........................... 307
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 362
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 363
Air Conditioning ........................ 237
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........237,240
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............363,364
Air Conditioning System ................237,363
Air Filter .............................. 362
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 284
Airbag ........................... 46,54,186
Airbag Deployment ....................... 56
Airbag Light ........................ 53,58,76
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 57
Airbag, Side .......................... 52,54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........49,52,54
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................19,176
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7Antenna, Satellite Radio
................... 231
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............370,399
Disposal ............................ 372
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............270,271
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 176
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 19
Anti-Theft System ..................... 19,176
Appearance Care ........................ 380
Assistance Towing ....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 32
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 84
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 31
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,252
Interlock System ....................... 15
Automatic Transmission .............249,253,376
Adding Fluid ......................... 376
Fluid Level Check ..................... 376
Fluid Type ........................... 401
Gear Ranges ......................... 253
432 INDEX