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WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
Parking Brake
452 STARTING AND OPERATING
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range. NOTE: Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and filter as specified for police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.530 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 561 of 655
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTS ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ......... .561
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .562
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... .562
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .563
REPLACEMENT PARTS ................. .564
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .564
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .......... .565
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .566
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .569 ▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... .569
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. .570
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ .571
▫ Body Lubrication .................... .572
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .............. .573
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. .574
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .574
▫ Cooling System ..................... .577
▫ Brake System ....................... .583
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... .585
7
Page 563 of 655
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Battery 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Under Engine Cover) 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Engine Oil Fill 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 561
Page 587 of 655

Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further fluid specifica-
tions. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid at
the correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE: No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter (Continued) CAUTION! (Continued)shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 585
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Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission –
If Equipped MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Manual Transmission –
If Equipped MOPAR Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224).
Transfer Case MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front) MOPAR Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) 226 RBI (Model 44) – MOPAR Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5)
or equivalent. For trailer towing, use MOPAR Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant
(SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models equipped with Trac-Lok™ require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.612 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 617 of 655

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 automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• 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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Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
trailer towing, snow plowing,
heavy loading, taxi, police, deliv-
ery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or
more than 50% of your driving is
at sustained high speeds during
hot weather, above 90°F (32°C). X
Change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter(s). X
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