CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when neces-
sary could result in more costly repairs,
damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by
an authorized dealership or qualified repair
center.
• 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 malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the
flushing procedure.Engine Oil – Gasoline Engines
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 five minutes 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. Maintain the oil level in the SAFE level
range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when
the level is at the bottom of the SAFE range will
result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine. Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection – Non ACEA
Categories
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API certified and meet the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine
Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol
means that the oil
has been certified
by the American
Petroleum Institute
(API). The manu-
facturer only rec-
ommends API
Certified engine
oils.
302
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is at-
tached to the positive post, and the nega-
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and
(-) negative and identified on the battery
case.
• If a “fast charger” is used while battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery
cables before connecting the charger to the
battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner MaintenanceFor best possible performance, your air condi-
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt condition should also be checked at
this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air con-
ditioning system as the chemicals can dam-
age your air conditioning components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri-
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains refrig-
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced repairman. NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is
an ozone-saving product. However, the manu-
facturer recommends that air conditioning ser-
vice be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recy-
cling equipment.
Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically
with a lithium based grease, such as MOPAR
Spray White Lube or equivalent to assure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess
oil and grease should be removed. Particular
305
4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the
wiper blade holder at the end of the wiper arm,
and firmly press the wiper blade until it snaps
into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot
cap into place.
Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir for the windshield washers
and the rear window washer 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 antifreeze).
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 cli-
mate. 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 SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained 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 under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or misposi-
tioned 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 lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon-
scious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety Tips/
Exhaust Gas” in “Things To Do Before Starting
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will de-
stroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to assure proper catalyst opera-
tion and prevent possible catalyst damage.
307
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The rear axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m) on
axles with aluminum housings. The rear axle fill
and drain plugs should be tightened to 22 to
52 ft lbs (30 to 70 N·m) on axles with cast iron
housings.
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage then and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid
leak is found, the transfer case fluid level can
be checked by removing the filler plug located
on the back side of the transfer case. The fluid
level should be at the bottom edge of the filler
plug hole when the vehicle is in a level position.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole, until it runs out of the
hole, when the vehicle is in a level position. Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug.
Recommended tightening torque for drain and
fill plugs is 15 to 25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When installing plugs, do not overtighten. You
could damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used
in the transmission to assure optimum transmis-
sion performance. Use only the manufacturer’s
recommended transmission fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information. It is
important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recom-
mended fluid. 313
Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. This occurs af-
ter at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At
normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following
procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and nor-
mal operating temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the
brake pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each
gear position 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 operating tempera-
ture. The fluid level is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil 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 oil fill 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 estab-
lished 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 parking brake.
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 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.
Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From
Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according
to geographic locations and usage. Chemicals
that make roads passable in snow and ice, and
those that are sprayed on trees and road
315
Cargo Tie-Downs.............148
Cellular Phone ............. 74,204
Center High Mounted Stop Light .....325
Chains, Tire ................254
Changing A Flat Tire ...........283
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .....55
Checks, Safety ...............55
Child Restraint .......... 47,49,51,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .......51
Child Safety Locks .............21
Clean Air Gasoline .............263
Climate Control ...............205
Cold Weather Operation .........218
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ....204
Compass ..................176
Compass Calibration ...........179
Compass Variance .............177
Computer, Trip/Travel ...........174
Connector UCI ....................183
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) . . 183
Conserving Fuel ..............173
Console, Overhead ............138
Cooling System ..............308
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ......309
Coolant Capacity ............326
Coolant Level ..............310 Disposal of Used Coolant
.......310
Drain, Flush, and Refill .........309
Inspection ................308
Points to Remember ..........311
Pressure Cap ..............310
Radiator Cap ..............310
Selection of Coolant
(Antifreeze) ............. 309,326
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......117
Cupholders .................144
Customer Assistance ...........356
Data Recorder, Event ............46
Daytime Running Lights ..........107
Defroster, Rear Window ..........150
Defroster, Windshield .........57,207
Diagnostic System, Onboard .......301
Diesel Fuel .................264
Diesel Fuel Requirements .........264
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .........315
Oil (Engine) ...............302
Power Steering .............243
Disabled Vehicle Towing .........291
Disposal Engine Oil ................304 Door Locks
.................20
Door
Locks, Automatic ...........21
Driving ...................238
Off-Pavement ..............239
Off-Road .................239
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel
Economy ..................173
Electric Remote Mirrors ...........68
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary
(Power Outlet) ...............142
Electronic Brake Control System .....245
Anti-Lock Brake System ........245
Brake Assist System ..........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation ........246
Traction Control System ........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .....246
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise
Control) ................ 115,117
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .....247
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ................. 160,164
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ......289
Hazard Warning Flasher ........282
Jacking ..................283
367