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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.
(Continued)
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.
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 specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 605
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NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; 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
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission. 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.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (approximately
180° F/(82° C). This occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km)
606 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 609 of 678

of driving. At normal operating temperature, the fluid
cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the engine cover by pulling it up off themounting studs.
3. Run the engine at idle speed and normal operating temperature.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi- tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK. 6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the HOT (upper) reference holes on
the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill.Use
ONLY the specified fluid (refer to Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts for fluid specifications). After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube,
wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully
drain into the transmission before rechecking the fluid
level.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 607
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NOTE:•The holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the
actual level is at or above the hole.
• If it is necessary to check the transmission below the
operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 80° F (27° C). If the
fluid level is correctly established at 80° F (27° C), it
should be between the HOT (upper) reference holes
when the transmission reaches 180° F (82° C). Re-
member it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50° F (10° C), it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Reinstall the engine cover and snap it down securely onto the mounting studs.
9. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
608 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
Clutch Hydraulic System (Manual Transmission)
— If Equipped
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, it should be changed immediately. Otherwise,
change the fluid as recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 609
Page 629 of 678
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Remove Cartridge fuse #J13 in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) and
store it in a safe location within the PDC.
• Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
• Anytime 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 the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Bulbs
Bulb Number
Automatic Transmission
Indicator Lamp 658
Heater Control Lamps (2) 194
Rocker Switch Indicator
Lamp (Rear Window De-
fogger, and Rear Wash/
Wipe) **
Soundbar Dome Lamp 912
** Bulbs only available from authorized dealer.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 627
Page 636 of 678

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – If
Equipped Use only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4®
fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission. We
recommend MOPAR® ATF+4® fluid.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped We recommend you use MOPAR® Manual Transmission Lubricant meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-9224.
Transfer Case We recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (Front) We recommend you use MOPAR® Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90)
(API GL-5).
Axle Differential (Rear) 226 RBI (Model 44)– We recommend you use MOPAR® Gear & Axle
Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use
MOPAR® Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 75W-140). Models
equipped with Trac-Lok™ require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703.
If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid +4,
MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
634 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
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 automatic trans-
mission, and fill 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
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