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........................ 418Maintenance Procedures................. 418
▫Engine Oil......................... 419
▫Engine Oil Filter..................... 422
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 422
▫Maintenance-Free Battery.............. 423
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 424
▫Body Lubrication.................... 427
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 427
▫Adding Washer Fluid................. 428
7
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 engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance interval.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements 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
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
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.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
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 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 depending
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance 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 washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked atregular 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 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.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................454,455
Cooling System......................... 431
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 433
Coolant Level....................431,435
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 434
Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 432
Inspection.......................... 435
Points to Remember................434,435
Pressure Cap........................ 434
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 432
Corrosion Protection..................... 442
Cruise Light........................... 204
Cupholders............................ 181
Customer Assistance..................... 475
Data Recorder, Event...................... 74
Dealer Service.......................... 418
Defroster, Rear Window................... 188
Defroster, Windshield................87,279,285Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 155
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 415
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 152
Dipsticks
Power Steering...................... 320
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 434
Engine Oil......................... 421
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage..................... 161
Downshifting.......................... 300
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.................... 140
Driving............................... 310
Off-Pavement....................... 310
Off-Road.......................... 310
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 96
Electrical Power Outlets................... 173
10
INDEX 487
Filters
Air Cleaner......................... 422
Air Conditioning..................288,425
Engine Oil.......................422,455
Flashers.............................. 390
Hazard Warning..................... 390
Turn Signal....................88,199,453
Flooded Engine Starting................... 297
Fluid Capacities......................... 454
Fluid Leaks............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 440
Power Steering...................... 320
Fluid, Brake........................... 456
Fluids................................ 455
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 455
Fog Lights.......................150,210,453
Folding Rear Seat........................ 145
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 145Four Wheel Drive....................... 309
Systems........................... 309
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 309
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 406
Fuel..............................367,455
Adding........................... 371
Additives.......................... 369
Capacity........................... 454
Clean Air.......................... 367
Ethanol........................... 368
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................. 371
Gasoline........................... 367
Gauge............................ 198
Light............................. 199
Materials Added..................... 369
Methanol.......................... 368
Octane Rating....................... 367
Requirements....................... 367
Tank Capacity....................... 454
10
INDEX 489