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
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 607
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
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
8
M
A I
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C
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D
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E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 637
Chains, Tire............................ .506
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .559
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .485
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .319
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............103
Checks, Safety .......................... .103
Child Restraint ............................79
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................99
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....94
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................96
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......87
Child Safety Locks .........................44
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .522
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .614
Climate Control ......................... .399
Clock ................................. .345Cold Weather Operation
....................419
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............398
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .501
Compass .............................. .323
Compass Calibration ...................... .326
Compass Variance ........................ .325
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .322
Connector UCI................................ .390
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........390
Console ............................... .192
Console, Floor .......................... .192
Contract, Service ......................... .649
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........601
Cooling System .......................... .597
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............599
Coolant Capacity ...................... .632
Coolant Level ......................... .602
Disposal of Used Coolant .................601
658 INDEX
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... .586
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................586
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............74
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .522
Event Data Recorder ........................78
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................... .104
Exhaust System .......................... .104
Extender, Seat Belt .........................65
Exterior Lights .......................... .107
Fabric Care ............................. .614
Fabric Top ............................. .616
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .587
Air Conditioning ........................411
Engine Oil ........................... .587
Engine Oil Disposal .....................586 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... .556
Turn Signal .......................... .107
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .173
Flooded Engine Starting ....................420
Fluid Capacities ......................... .632
Fluid Leaks ............................ .107
Fluid Level Checks ........................611
Engine Oil ........................... .584
Manual Transmission ....................609
Power Steering ........................ .461
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........633
Fog Lights ............................. .173
Fog Light Service ........................ .630
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat ..................164
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .167
Folding Windshield ....................... .293
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................556
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .439
10
INDEX 661
Cargo ...............................175
Center Mounted Stop ....................631
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........319
Cruise .............................. .314
Daytime Running ...................... .174
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ..........322
Exterior ............................. .107
Fog ................................ .173
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................556
Headlights ........................... .170
Headlight Switch ...................... .170
High Beam ........................... .309
High Beam Indicator .....................309
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............482
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .170
Interior ............................. .174
Lights On Reminder .....................172
Low Fuel ............................ .308Oil Pressure
.......................... .309
Passing ............................. .173
Rear Servicing ........................ .631
Rear Tail Lamps ....................... .631
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .309
Security Alarm ........................ .313
Service .............................. .628
Side Marker .......................... .631
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............314
Traction Control ....................... .480
Turn Signal .......................... .107
Voltage ............................. .308
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......308
Loading Vehicle ......................... .528
Tires ............................... .490
Locking Axle ........................... .444
Locks ..................................
40
Automatic Door .........................43
Child Protection .........................44
10
INDEX 665
Door.................................40
Power Door ............................42
Steering Wheel ..........................17
Lubrication, Body ........................ .593
Lug Nuts .............................. .557
Maintenance Free Battery ....................588
Maintenance Procedures ....................583
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .636
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......319
Manual, Service ......................... .652
Manual Transmission ..................... .422
Fluid Level Check ...................... .609
Lubricant Selection ..................... .609
Shift Speeds .......................... .424
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................604
Methanol .............................. .522
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .322
Mirrors ................................115 Automatic Dimming
.....................116
Electric Powered ........................117
Electric Remote .........................117
Heated ...............................118
Outside ..............................115
Rearview .............................115
Vanity ...............................118
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............9
Modular Hard Top ....................... .206
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................509
MOPAR® Parts .......................... .582
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .522
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................102
Occupant Restraints ........................50
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................521
Odometer .............................. .316
Trip ................................ .314
666 INDEX