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WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. 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.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. Use
of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling
point or unidentified as to specification, may result in
sudden brake failure during hard prolonged braking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer ’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
•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
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a accident.
•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.
•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 an accident.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the “Maintenance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for further information. See your authorized
dealer for service.
Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the transmission when performing
other underbody services.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug located on
the left side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
approximately 1/4 in (6.4 mm) below the bottom of the
fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE: DO NOToverfill transmission, damage can
occur.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Change Transmission Fluid
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. If contaminated with water, change the
fluid immediately. See your authorized dealer for service.
Hydraulic Clutch
Master Cylinder – Clutch Fluid Level Check
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 335
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manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and on the
ground or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The
axle lubricant level should be between the bottom of the
filler plug and a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
below the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only
the manufacturer’s recommended axle lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using axle fluid other than the manufactured recom-
mended fluid may cause a shudder/noise issue. refer
to “Fluids Lubes and Genuine Parts” in “ Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Lubricant
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. Change the lubricant immediately if
contaminated with water. See your authorized dealer for
service.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and chemicals that are sprayed
on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
TransmissionWe recommend you use MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
Rear AxleWe recommend you use Castrol SAF-XJ/SAE 75W-140 Synthetic
Gear and Axle Lubricant.
Brake/Clutch Master CylinderWe recommend you use MOPAR® Brake and Clutch Fluid DOT 4
Motor Vehicle.
Power Steering ReservoirWe recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid + 4,
MOPAR® or ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission, and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE:Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 363
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MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:6,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,00048,00054,00060,00066,00072,00078,00084,00090,00096,000102,000108,00011 4 , 0 0 0120,000126,000132,000138,000144,000150,000
Or Months:6121824303642485460667278849096102108114120126132138144150
Or Kilometers:10,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,00011 0 , 0 0 0120,000130,000140,000150,000160,000170,000180,000190,000200,000210,000220,000230,000240,000250,000
Change the engine oil andengine oil filter.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at thefirst sign of irregular wear, evenif it occurs before scheduledmaintenance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings; re-place if necessary.XXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system.XXXXXXXXXXXX
Change Brake FluidXXXXXX
Adjust the parking brake onvehicles equipped with fourwheel disc brakes.XXXXX
364 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes........................239
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)................241
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............328
Adding Fuel.............................282
Adding Washer Fluid......................323
Additives, Fuel...........................280
Adjustable Pedals.........................112
Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Advance Front Air Bag....................45
Air Bag Components.....................44
Air Bag Operation.......................48
Air Bag Warning Light....................67
Enhanced Accident Response................66
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................69
Front Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
If A Deployment Occurs...................65
Knee Impact Bolsters.....................62
Maintaining Your Air Bag System............69
Transporting Pets........................81
Air Bag Deployment........................44
Air Bag Light.............................67
Air Bag Maintenance.......................69
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .318
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................321
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..............204
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................321
Air Conditioning System....................321
Air Pressure, Tires.........................259
Alarm Light.............................148
Alarm System (Security Alarm)................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna................................195
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................328
Capacities............................357
Disposal..............................330
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................241
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................155
Appearance Care.........................336
380 INDEX