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8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the
parking brake.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. How-
ever, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed
Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the trans-
mission is disassembled for any reason.
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 those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
830 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPAR Car Wash, or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
•If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
•Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect
your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 831
Page 874 of 916
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
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 irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
•Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4)
models only).
872 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 894 of 916

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............817
Adding Fuel.............................683
Additives, Fuel...........................678
Adjust
Down...............................149
Forward..........................149, 150
Rearward.........................149, 150
Up .................................149
Adjustable Pedals.........................191
AirBag...............................69, 70
Advance Front Air Bag....................71
Air Bag Operation.......................72
Air Bag Warning Light....................80
Enhanced Accident Response................80
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................83
FrontAirBag...........................69
If A Deployment Occurs...................78
Knee Impact Bolsters.....................73
Maintaining Your Air Bag System............82Side Air Bags...........................73
Transporting Pets.......................116
Air Bag Deployment........................69
Air Bag Light......................80, 119, 299
Air Bag Maintenance.......................82
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter). . . .799
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................805
Air Conditioning......................422, 427
Air Conditioning Controls................422, 427
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips...........441, 444
Air Conditioning Refrigerant..........805, 806, 807
Air Conditioning System..........422, 427, 440, 805
Air Pressure, Tires.....................648, 659
Air Suspension........................545, 557
Alarm, Panic.............................29
Alarm (Security Alarm)..................22, 302
Alarm System (Security Alarm)................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...............816, 861
892 INDEX