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CAUTION!
•Turn the windshield wipers off when driving
through an automatic car wash. Damage to the
windshield wipers may result if the wiper control
is left in any position other than off.
•In cold weather, always turn off the wiper switch
and allow the wipers to return to the “Park”
position before turning off the engine. If the wiper
switch is left on and the wipers freeze to the
windshield, damage to the wiper motor may occur
when the vehicle is restarted.
•Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents
the windshield wiper blades from returning to the
off position. If the windshield wiper control is
turned off and the blades cannot return to the off
position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.
Windshield Wiper Operation
Rotate the end of the lever upward to the second detent
past the intermittent settings for low-speed wiper opera-
tion.
Rotate the end of the lever upward to the third detent
past the intermittent settings for high-speed wiper opera-
tion.
Wiper Control
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
Page 413 of 506
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 413
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 414
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 415
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 415
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 416
Replacement Parts ..................... 417
Dealer Service ........................ 417
Maintenance Procedures ................. 418 ▫
Engine Oil ......................... 419
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 422
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 422
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 423
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 424
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 425
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 426
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 426
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 427
7
Page 428 of 506

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, nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking and smearing.
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 dirtfrom a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. 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 of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment (right rear side), and the fluid level
should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not engine coolant
(antifreeze).
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427