
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
Engine 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 “Scheduled Servicing” in this section for
further information.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
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 FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
622 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the “Sever Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR engine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are recom-
mended.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 625

Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to
MS.90032).
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Data” for
further information.
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant is different and should not be mixed with
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compat-
ible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system will
need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an au-
thorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
(Continued)
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 631

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 “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper main-
tenance 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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level
should be checked when pads are replaced. 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 And Lubricants” in “Technical Data” for
further information.
636 MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• Distance driven. •
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle main-
tenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 655

Tire Rotation Recommendations
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Scheduled Servicing” for the proper main-
tenance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.The suggested rotation method is the “forward cross”
shown in the following diagram. This rotation pattern
does not apply to some directional tires that must not be
reversed.
Tire Rotation
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 663

Lug Nuts.............................. .676
Maintenance Free Battery ....................620
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .613
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......250
Manual, Service ......................... .803
Map/Reading Lights .......................117
Marker Lights, Side ....................... .542
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................636
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ................90
Memory Seat ......................... .90, 107
Methanol .............................. .679
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .229
Mirrors ............................... .104
Automatic Dimming .....................105
Electric Remote ........................ .106
Exterior Folding ....................... .106
Heated .............................. .107
Memory ..............................90 Outside
............................. .106
Rearview ......................... .104, 529
Vanity ........................... .109, 192
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ...............6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................293
MOPAR Parts ........................... .802
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .679
Multi-Function Control Lever .................113
New Vehicle Break-In Period .................388
Occupant Restraints ...................... .302
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............677, 687
Oil, Engine ......................... .622, 687
Capacity ............................ .686
Change Interval ....................... .622
Checking ............................ .619
Disposal ............................. .624
Filter ............................ .624, 687
816 INDEX

Rotation, Tires.......................... .663
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle .................375
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................377
Safety Defects, Reporting ....................802
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... .374
Safety Information, Tire .....................639
Safety Tips ............................. .373
Schedule, Maintenance .....................613
Seat Belt Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage .....311
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ..........318
Energy Management Feature ...............318
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation ...............309
Lap/Shoulder Belts ..................... .306
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ..............311
Pregnant Women ...................... .317
Seat Belt Extender ...................... .316
Seat Belt Pretensioner ....................318 Seat Belt Reminder
..................... .304
Seat Belt Maintenance ..................... .670
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... .304
Seat Belts ........................... .304, 375
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ..................311
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ........311
Child Restraint ........................ .346
Extender ............................ .316
Front Seat ..................... .304, 306, 309
Inspection ........................... .375
Operating Instructions ....................309
Pregnant Women ...................... .317
Pretensioners ......................... .318
Rear Seat ............................ .306
Reminder ............................ .232
Untwisting Procedure ....................311
Seats ............................. .58, 85, 94
Adjustment .....................58, 59, 63, 85
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn
Go) .................69
12
INDEX 819