Page 378 of 448

•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.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 379 of 448

Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. 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 manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
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 collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
Page 380 of 448

WARNING!(Continued)
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 410 of 448
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Gasoline Engine Only Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission. We recommend MOPAR
ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 4.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting
FCA Material Standard MS-11655.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 413 of 448

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• 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 irregu-
lar 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 411
Page 415 of 448
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX X X X
Replace cabin/air conditioning
filter. XXX X X X X
Replace Brake Fluid every two
years XXX X X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 413
Page 432 of 448

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............372
Adding Fuel ............................ .287
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .369
Additives, Fuel .......................... .284
AirBag.................................39 Advance Front Air Bag ....................41
Air Bag Operation .......................42
Air Bag Warning Light ....................50
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................53
FrontAirBag...........................39
If A Deployment Occurs ...................47
Knee Impact Bolsters .....................43
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............52
Transporting Pets ........................63
Air Bag Deployment ........................39
Air Bag Light ...................... .50, 66, 134
Air Bag Maintenance .......................52
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .361
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................366Air Conditioning
......................... .204
Air Conditioning Controls ...................204
Air Conditioning Filter .....................367
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................366
Air Conditioning System .................204, 366
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .263
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................15
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................15
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............371, 405
Disposal ............................. .374
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................241
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................155
Appearance Care ........................ .380
Ashtray ............................... .121
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .249
Audio Systems (Radio) .....................199
Auto Down Power Windows ..................24
Automatic Door Locks ......................22
430 INDEX
Page 433 of 448

Automatic Transaxle........................12
Automatic Transmission .................222, 379
Adding Fluid ......................... .379
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................379
Fluid Change ......................... .379
Fluid Level Check ...................... .379
Fluid Type ........................ .378, 408
Gear Ranges .......................... .225
Special Additives ...................... .378
Battery ............................ .135, 364
Charging System Light ...................135
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........19
Belts, Seat ...............................66
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................368
B-Pillar Location ......................... .257
Brake Assist System ...................... .244
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............241Brake Fluid
............................ .408
Brake, Parking .......................... .239
Brake System ........................ .241, 376
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .241
Fluid Check .......................... .376
Parking ............................. .239
Warning Light ........................ .142
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................224
Bulb Replacement ..................... .399, 401
Bulbs, Light .......................... .68, 399
Camera, Rear ............................112
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .405
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .287
Power Steering ........................ .238
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................374
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................65, 286
Cargo Light ..............................98
10
INDEX 431