Page 429 of 505

•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, 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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
Page 434 of 505

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 – 3.6L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 458 of 505

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•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 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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S456 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 495 of 505

Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 206,406
Manual, Service......................... 477
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 163
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 427
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 151
Methanol ............................. 354
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 208,214
Mirrors ............................... 108
Automatic Dimming .................. 108
Electric Powered ..................... 109
Electric Remote ...................... 109
Heated ............................ 110
Outside ........................... 109
Vanity ............................ 110
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 343
Mopar Parts ......................... 407,476
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 354
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 157New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 78
Occupant Restraints ................... 38,60,63
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...............59,60
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 353
Odometer ............................. 198
Trip ........................... 198,202
Oil Change Indicator .................. 201,213
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............201,213
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 412
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 412
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 196
Oil, Engine ......................... 409,452
Capacity ........................... 451
Change Interval ................ 201,213,410
Checking .......................... 409
Dipstick ........................... 409
Disposal ........................... 412
Filter .......................... 412,452
10
INDEX 493