MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULE SERVICING .................613
▫ Maintenance Plan .....................615
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ...........617
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ..........618
▫ Checking Oil Level ....................619
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................619
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ...............620
DEALER SERVICE ..................... .621
▫ Engine Oil ......................... .622
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... .624▫
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................625
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............625
▫ Body Lubrication .....................627
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ...............627
▫ Exhaust System ..................... .628
▫ Cooling System ..................... .630
▫ Brake System ....................... .636
▫ Automatic Transmission ................637
RAISING THE VEHICLE .................639
TIRES .............................. .639
8
SCHEDULE SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil
Change Required” message is displayed. Severe Operat-
ing Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last
reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to “Vehicle Info” in “Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel”.
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.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 613
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
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
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