Page 493 of 560

•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 491
Page 497 of 560

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
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 special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
you authorized dealer immediately to have the 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 autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is frequently
driven on rough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads,
on short trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or is used for frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi,
etc., change the fluid as indicated in the Maintenance
Schedule. In addition, change the fluid and filter if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495
Page 499 of 560

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
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 special service tools. 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 autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age 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 transmission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 497
Page 522 of 560

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 will influence when the
“Change Oil” or “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).
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
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
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Clus-
ter Descriptions” or “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding 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.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
520 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 527 of 560
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Change the manual transmission fluid if using yourvehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, heavyloading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial ser-vice), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% ofyour driving is at sustained high speeds during hotweather, above 90°F (32°C).
XX X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 525
Page 528 of 560
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.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
526 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 550 of 560

Door.................................30
Power Door............................31
Lubrication, Body.........................481
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)...................206
Lug Nuts...............................430
Lumbar Support..........................154
Maintenance Free Battery....................477
Maintenance Procedures....................472
Maintenance Schedule......................520
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......225
Manual, Service..........................534
Manual Transaxle
Fluid Level Check.......................498
Lubricant Selection......................499
Manual Transmission......................319
Fluid Level Check.......................498
Frequency of Fluid Change................498
Lubricant Selection......................498
Map/Reading Lights.......................167
Master Cylinder (Brakes)....................491
Methanol...............................404
Mini-Trip Computer.......................228
Mirrors................................107
Automatic Dimming.....................108
Electric Powered........................110
Exterior Folding........................109
Heated...............................110
Outside..............................109
Rearview.............................107
Vanity...............................110
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................393
MOPAR® Parts...........................471
MTBE/ETBE............................404
Multi-Function Control Lever.................163
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................97
548 INDEX