Page 439 of 525
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L ..........439
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ..........440
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . .441
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............441
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS .............442
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................443
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .443
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........444
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .445▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... .447
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................448
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................448
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............450
▫ Body Lubrication .....................452
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............453
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................453
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .454
▫ Cooling System ..................... .457
▫ Brake System ....................... .462
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 440 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 464 of 525

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
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WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall clutch
system performance. Improper brake fluids may dam-
age the clutch system resulting in loss of clutch func-
tion and the ability to shift the transmission.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (CVT)
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 485 of 525
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If Equipped We recommend you use MOPAR CVTF+4 Continuously
Variable Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped We recommend you use MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) We recommend you use MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant
SAE 80W-90 API GL 5.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) We recommend you use MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant
SAE 80W-90 API GL 5.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should
be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then
DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you useMOPARPower Steering Fluid +4,
MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 483
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NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
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