Page 98 of 476

Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is func-
tioning properly and the proper amount, type, and
concentration of coolant is used. Use of the Air Recir-
culation mode during Winter months is not recom-
mended, because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves.
Leaves collected in the air intake may reduce airflow,
and if they enter the plenum, they could plug the water
drains. In winter months, make sure the air intake is
clear of ice, slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The climate control system filters out dust and pollen
from the air. Contact your authorized dealer to service
your cabin air filter, and to have it replaced when
needed.
96 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 343 of 476

MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ........................ .343
 REPLACEMENT PARTS .................344
 DEALER SERVICE ....................344
 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............344
▫ Maintenance Chart ...................346
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO
ENGINE ........................... .353
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ENGINE . . .354
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ..........354
▫ Engine Oil ........................ .355
▫ Engine Oil Filter .....................357
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...............357
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ..............358
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............358▫
Body Lubrication ....................360
▫ Wiper Blades ...................... .360
▫ Adding Washer Fluid .................362
▫ Exhaust System .....................362
▫ Cooling System .....................364
▫ Brake System ...................... .368
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ......370
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped . . . .371
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ......................... .372
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ................379
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ............380
▫ Tire Markings ...................... .380
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........383
9 
     
        
        Page 348 of 476
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 un-
usual wear or damage.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, and
brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.Maintenance Chart
Required Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses. Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses. Check and adjust hand brake.Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
Refer to the “Maintenance Chart” on the following page
for the required maintenance intervals.
346 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 352 of 476
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
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
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
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
240,000
Replace spark plugs (2.4L
engine). ** •
Replace engine air filter. # ••• • •
Replace brake fluid every two
years. •••• • • •
Replace cabin filter. ○• ○ •○• ○•○ • ○• ○•○
Change the manual transmis-
sion fluid if using your vehicle
for any of the following: trailer
towing, heavy loading, taxi,
police, delivery service (com-
mercial service), off-road, des-
ert operation or more than
50% of your driving is at sus-
tained speeds during hot
weather, above 90°F (32°C). ••
350 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 353 of 476
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
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
150,000
Or Years: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
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
240,000
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. ••
Replace the timing belt (1.4L
Turbo Engine). •
Recommend replacement
• Mandatory service
# The engine air cleaner should be inspected at every
oil change if used in dusty areas.
* The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out
when indicated by a warning light or message on the
instrument panel, or in any case should not exceed 1
year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 351 
     
        
        Page 355 of 476
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO ENGINE
1 — Air Cleaner Filter4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 5 — Battery8 — Coolant Pressure Bottle Cap
3 — Oil Fill Cap 6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 9 — Coolant Pressure Bottle
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 353 
     
        
        Page 356 of 476
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ENGINE
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed
your vehicle. Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the
future.
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 5 — Battery8 — Coolant Pressure Bottle Cap
3 — Engine Oil Fill Cap 6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 9 — Coolant Pressure Bottle
354 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 
     
        
        Page 359 of 476

dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by
supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil
and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to
the environment. Contact your authorized dealer, ser-
vice station or governmental agency for advice on how
and where used oil and oil filters can be safely dis-
carded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dis-
posable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consid-
erably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. Mopar engine oil filters are
high quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
can provide a measure of protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal
is necessary for repair or maintenance. Make sure
that no one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction system
(air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so
can result in serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
9
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 357