
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 non-abrasive 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 toremove 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 condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (if equipped) is shared. The fluid
reservoir is located in the engine compartment. Be sure to
check the fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti-
freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
516 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 529

Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (A) when the vehicle is in a level position.
Adding Fluid
Fluid should be added only at filler hole until fluid
begins to run out of the hole.
Drain
First remove the fill plug (B), then the drain plug (C). The
recommended tightening torque for the drain and fill
plugs is 15 to 25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When replacing the plugs, do not overtighten them.
You could damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 531

fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at the bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
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 ontrees 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
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
532 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 555

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............269,409
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 522
Adding Fuel ........................... 457
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 512
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 514
Air Conditioning ........................ 351
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 351
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 515
Air Conditioning System ................351,355
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 363
Air Filter .............................. 512
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 437
Airbag ................................ 59
Airbag Deployment ....................... 67
Airbag Light ..................... 65,70,87,270
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 69
Airbag, Side ............................ 66
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm Light
........................... 271
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................314,339
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 409
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 549
Appearance Care ........................ 532
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 19
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 289
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 355
Automatic Transmission ................... 527
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 527
Fluid Level Check .................... 528
Fluid Type ......................... 527
Gear Ranges ........................ 379
Shifting ........................... 378
582 INDEX

Fabric Care......................... 535,536
Fabric Top ............................. 536
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 512
Air Conditioning ..................... 362
Engine Oil ......................... 512
Finish Care ............................ 533
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 484
Turn Signal ................. 89,267,547,548
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 371
Fluid Capacities ......................... 549
Fluid Leaks ............................. 89
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 532
Automatic Transmission ................ 527
Engine Oil ......................... 510
Manual Transmission .................. 530
Power Steering ...................... 406
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 550Fog Light Service
........................ 547
Fog Lights .......................... 152,547
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat ................. 144
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 146
Folding Windshield ...................... 253
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 383
Shifting ........................... 385
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 383
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 484
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 495
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 531
Fuel ................................. 452
Ethanol ........................... 453
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 457
Gasoline ........................... 452
Gauge ............................ 266
Materials Added ..................... 455
Methanol .......................... 453
Octane Rating ....................... 452
10
INDEX 587

Instrument Cluster................... 150
Interior ............................ 154
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel .......................... 266
Oil Pressure ........................ 267
Passing ............................ 152
Rear Servicing ....................... 548
Rear Tail ........................... 548
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 266
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 271
Service ............................ 546
Side Marker ........................ 548
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 271
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 272
Traction Control ..................... 422
Turn Signal .............. 89,151,267,547,548
Voltage ............................ 266
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 266 Loading Vehicle
......................... 459
Tires .............................. 431
Locking Axle ........................... 388
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 35
Child Protection ...................... 38
Door .............................. 34
Power Door ......................... 34
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 76,78
Lubrication, Body ....................... 515
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 513
Maintenance Procedures ................... 509
Maintenance Schedule .................... 554
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 277,507
Manual Transmission .................. 373,530
Fluid Level Check .................... 530
Lubricant Selection ................... 530
10
INDEX 591