
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 oil level is approximately 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 also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add
oil only when the level is below the SAFE mark.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-12633.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
0W-40 or equivalent engine oil.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341

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.
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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
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
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359

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 themanufacturer’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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361

CAUTION!(Continued)
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If
a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates
a problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
• Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
• Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C). •
Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
• Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
• Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
• Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
• Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
• Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
• For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
• If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.At Each Stop For Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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.
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

•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 391

Caps, FillerOil (Engine) .......................... .342
Power Steering ........................ .260
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................355
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................87, 306
Car Washes ............................ .362
Chains, Tire ............................ .295
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .273
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .337
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............86
Checks, Safety ............................86
Child Restraint ............................73
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................78
Child Restraints .........................73
Infants And Child Restraints ................76
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................79
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........76Using The Top Tether Anchorage
.............82
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .303
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .363
Windshield Wiper Blades ..................348
Climate Control ......................... .212
Clutch Fluid ............................ .361
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .289
Contract, Service ......................... .401
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........355
Cooling System .......................... .352
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............354
Coolant Capacity ...................... .384
Coolant Level ..................... .352, 356
Disposal Of Used Coolant .................356
Drain, Flush, And Refill ...................353
Inspection ........................... .356
Points To Remember .....................357
Pressure Cap ......................... .355
410 INDEX

Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........159
Emergency Brake ........................ .261
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................331
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................314
Jump Starting ......................... .327
Overheating .......................... .314
Towing ............................. .332
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........337
Engine ................................ .335
Air Cleaner .......................... .343
Checking Oil Level ..................... .341
Compartment ......................... .335
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................352, 385
Cooling ............................. .352
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................87, 306
Fails To Start ......................... .246
Flooded, Starting ...................... .246
Fuel Requirements ...................302, 384 Oil ..........................
.341, 384, 385
Oil Change Interval ..................... .341
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .342
Oil Filter ............................ .342
Oil Selection ...................... .341, 384
Overheating .......................... .314
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................342, 384
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............68
Ethanol ............................... .303
Event Data Recorder ........................72
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................87, 306
Exhaust System ....................... .87, 349
Exterior Lighting ......................... .108
Exterior Lights ............................89
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .343
Engine Oil ........................ .342, 385
Engine Oil Disposal .....................342
412 INDEX