Page 450 of 522

result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
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
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
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 reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 455 of 522

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause seri-
ous damage. To prevent dirt and water from enter-
ing the transmission after checking or replenishing
fluid, make sure that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid Level Check – Six-Speed Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
CAUTION!
•
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
Page 484 of 522

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other thanyour authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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
(four-speed only) and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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Page 489 of 522
WARNING!
•You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your ve-
hicle could result in a component malfunction and
effect vehicle handling and performance. This
could cause an accident.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 487
Page 512 of 522

Maintenance Free Battery....................433
Maintenance Procedures ....................428
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .482
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......230
Manual, Service ......................... .496
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .183
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................448
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ...............171
Methanol .............................. .371
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .233
Mirrors ............................... .124
Automatic Dimming .....................125
Electric Powered ....................... .126
Electric Remote ........................ .126
Heated .............................. .127
Outside ............................. .127
Rearview ............................ .124
Vanity .............................. .128
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............7Monitor, Tire Pressure System
................362
Mopar Parts ............................ .427
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .371
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................91
Occupant Restraints ........................40
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................60
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................370
Odometer .............................. .222
Trip ................................ .222
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................225
Oil, Engine ............................. .429
Capacity ............................ .477
Change Interval ....................... .225
Checking ............................ .429
Dipstick ............................. .429
Disposal ............................. .432
510 INDEX
Page 515 of 522

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.................95
Safety Defects, Reporting ....................495
Safety, Exhaust Gas .........................92
Safety Information, Tire .....................338
Safety Tips ...............................92
Satellite Radio Antenna .....................270
Schedule, Maintenance .....................482
Seat Belt Maintenance ..................... .459
Seat Belt Reminder .........................56
Seat Belts ................................40
And Pregnant Women .....................57
Child Restraint ..........................70
Extender ..............................57
Front Seat .............................44
Inspection .............................93
Operating Instructions ....................45
Pretensioners ...........................51
Rear Seat ..............................44
Reminder ............................ .219Untwisting Procedure
.....................49
Seats ................................. .165
Adjustment .......................... .165
Easy Entry ........................... .171
Heated .............................. .167
Height Adjustment ..................... .166
Lumbar Support ....................... .170
Memory ............................. .171
Power .............................. .166
Reclining ............................ .169
Seatback Release ....................... .171
Tilting .............................. .166
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..................18
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............478
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ....................15
Sentry Key Programming ....................17
Service Assistance ........................ .491
Service Contract ......................... .493
Service Manuals ......................... .496
10
INDEX 513