Page 571 of 671
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 1.4L TURBO . . . .571
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L ..........572
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ..........573
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . .574
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............574
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ......................... .575
REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................576
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .577
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ...........577▫
Engine Oil ......................... .578
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .581
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................582
▫ Tires ............................. .583
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............583
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............584
▫ A/C Air Filter ...................... .585
▫ Body Lubrication .....................587
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............588
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................588
7
Page 580 of 671

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a flush is needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the flushing
procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
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. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone which depicts the MIN at the
low end of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range. Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is
at the low end of the indicated range will result in the oil
level at the full end of the indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
(Continued)
578 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 581 of 671

CAUTION!(Continued)
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
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 inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The
350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers.
Engine Oil Selection — 1.4L Turbo Engine
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified Grade SN or better and meet the requirements of
FCA US Material Standard MS-12991.
Engine Oil Selection — 2.0L And 2.4L Engine
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified Grade SN or better and meet the requirements of
FCA US Material Standard MS-6395.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 579
Page 590 of 671

the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release mecha-
nism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.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 depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance 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 neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 654 of 671

Oil Selection...................... .579, 623
Overheating .......................... .531
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............83
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .506
Event Data Recorder ........................86
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................109, 509
Exhaust System ...................... .109, 589
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................123
Exterior Lighting ......................... .234
Exterior Lights ...........................113
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .582
Air Conditioning ....................409, 585
Automatic Transmission ..................601
Engine Oil ........................... .581
Engine Oil Disposal .....................581 Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... .531
Turn Signal .....................113, 239, 326
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .240
Flooded Engine Starting ....................419
Floor Console ........................... .288
Fluid, Brake ............................ .625
Fluid Capacities ......................... .622
Fluid Leaks .............................113
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................600
Fluids ............................. .623, 625
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........623
Fog Lights ............................. .238
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .230
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................559
Fuel .................................. .504
Adding ............................. .509
652 INDEX