
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 581

test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending
on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor perfor-
mance of blades may be present with chattering, marks,
water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions are
present, clean the wiper blades or replace as necessary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR® All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 591

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, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “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).
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 byreferring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (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.
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 tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
630 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering 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 irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system
turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 631

Checking Oil Level..................... .580
Compartment ......................... .575
Compartment Identification ................575
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................592
Cooling ............................. .592
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................106
Flooded, Starting ...................... .440
Fuel Requirements ......................511
Oil................................. .580
Oil Selection .......................... .581
Oil Synthetic ......................... .583
Overheating .......................... .540
Starting ............................. .439
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .582
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................582
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............89
Entry System, Illuminated ....................20
Ethanol ............................... .512
Event Data Recorder ........................92 Exhaust Gas Caution
...................... .106
Exhaust System .......................... .106
Exterior Lights ...........................110
Fabric Care ............................. .606
Filler Location Fuel ....................... .289
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .583
Air Conditioning ...................... .432
Engine Oil ........................... .583
Engine Oil Disposal .....................583
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .540
Turn Signal ............................110
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .204
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ........................ .518
Engine Oil ........................... .517
Fuel Requirements ..................... .516
10
INDEX 653

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................502
MOPAR® Parts .......................... .579
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .512
Multi-Function Control Lever .................202
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................105
Occupant Restraints ........................61
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................511
Odometer .............................. .289
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .289
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................289
Oil, Engine ............................. .580
Capacity ............................ .624
Change Interval ....................... .581
Checking ............................ .580
Disposal ............................. .583
Filter ............................... .583Filter Disposal
........................ .583
Identification Logo ..................... .582
Materials Added to ..................... .583
Recommendation ...................... .581
Synthetic ............................ .583
Viscosity ............................ .582
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .583
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................576
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............232
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................117
Overhead Console ........................ .228
Overhead Travel Information Center ............228
Overheating, Engine ...................... .540
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .602
Panic Alarm ..............................25
Parking Brake ........................... .460
10
INDEX 659

Reformulated Gasoline.....................512
Refrigerant ............................. .588
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................63
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ..................20
FCC General Information ..................30
Programming Additional Key Fobs ...........17
Programming Additional Transmitters .........17
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls .........409
Remote Starting System ......................30
Removable Floor Console ...................265
Replacement Bulbs ....................... .618
Replacement Keys .........................16
Replacement Parts ........................ .579
Replacement Tires ........................ .498
Reporting Safety Defects ....................643
Resetting Oil Change Indicator ................289
Restraint, Head .......................... .170
Restraints, Child ...........................94
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck .................566Roof Rack (Luggage Rack)
...................272
Rotation, Tires .......................... .501
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle .................107
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................110
Safety Defects, Reporting ....................643
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... .106
Safety Information, Tire .....................475
Safety Tips ............................. .105
Satellite Radio Antenna .....................352
Schedule, Maintenance .....................630
Seat Belt Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode .......73
Energy Management Feature ................71
Engage The Automatic Locking Mode .........73
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ................67
Lap/Shoulder Belts .......................64
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ...............69
Pregnant Women ........................70
10
INDEX 661