Page 517 of 604
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 1.4L Turbo ........ 517
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 518
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 519
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 520
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 520
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 521
Replacement Parts ..................... 522
Dealer Service ........................ 523
Maintenance Procedures ................. 523
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 524
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 527
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 527
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 528
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 529
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 532
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 533
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 534
7
Page 526 of 604

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.
524 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 527 of 604

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 intervals.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection – 1.4L Turbo Engine
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-12991.
Engine Oil Selection – 2.0L And 2.4L Engine
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525
Page 536 of 604

Adding Washer Fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked 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 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.
534 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 587 of 604

Cooling System......................... 537
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 538
Coolant Level .................... 537,540
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 540
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 537
Inspection .......................... 540
Points to Remember ................ 539,541
Pressure Cap ........................ 539
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 537
Corrosion Protection ..................... 546
Cupholders ............................ 265
Customer Assistance ..................... 573
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 82
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 220
Daytime Running Lights ................... 214
Dealer Service .......................... 523
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 46
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 45 Defroster, Rear Window
................... 275
Defroster, Windshield ................96,364,370
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 221
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 520
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 217
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 545
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 540
Engine Oil ......................... 526
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 34
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 249
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 201
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 408
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 409
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 320
10
INDEX 585