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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.8L
1 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)7 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
2 — Battery 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
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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
engine oil level should be checked five minutes after a
warmed up engine has been shut off.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.
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 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
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WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature, the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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3. Fully apply the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (82°
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50° F
(10° C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
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normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid – Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, it should be changed immediately. Otherwise,
change the fluid as recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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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.
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At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•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.
•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.8
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