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WARNING! (Continued)
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 341
Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-
Trac I Or Rock-Trac) — If Equipped ....... 345
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 345
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 347
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 348
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 349
Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 350
Rear Axle Lock (Four-Wheel Drive
Non-Rubicon Models) — If Equipped ........ 351
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect
— If Equipped ........................ 352
On-Road Driving Tips .................. 354
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 354 ▫
Side Step Removal – If Equipped ......... 354
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 356
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 356
▫ Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . 357
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 357
▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points) ............................ 358
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 361
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 363
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 366
Power Steering ....................... 367
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 368
Parking Brake ........................ 369
328 STARTING AND OPERATING
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•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
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system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 455
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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 fiveminutes 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.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 504 of 554

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped MOPAR
ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Manual Transmission – If
Equipped MOPAR
Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224).
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) 226 RBI (Model 44)- MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API
GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use MOPAR Synthetic Gear & Axle
Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-Lok™
require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503
Page 509 of 554
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, power steering 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.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
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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S508 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES