CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of this
procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage in each position), ending with the transmission
in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission. 6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or
cold. You can also read the transmission fluid tempera-
ture using the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument
Cluster Display inUnderstanding Your Instrument
Panel for further information. Hot fluid is approxi-
mately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal operating
temperature after the vehicle is driven at least 15 miles
(24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably between
the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature of approxi-
mately 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole.
• If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
• If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After adding
any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait at least
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission
before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the
fluid at approximately 80°F (27°C). If the fluid level is
correctly established at 80°F (27°C), it should be between
the HOT (upper) reference holes when the transmission
reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level
at the normal operating temperature.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shud-
der, and will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
• Dirt and water in the transmission can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid,
make sure that the dipstick cap is re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion filler tube is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage
or transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level checked.
Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid level can
cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or per-
formance of your transmission.
We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 fluid.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3, SAE J1703. If
DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is accept-
able.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +
4, or MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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 service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E-85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message
is displayed. Severe Operating 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 other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” 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.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
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.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission (4-
speed only) and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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 OilChange Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
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.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions. Maintenance Chart
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages
for the required maintenance intervals.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 479
About Your Brakes..................... .341, 343
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .............446
Adding Fuel ............................. .386
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .443
Additives, Fuel ........................... .382
Adjust Down ................................ .149
Forward .............................. .149
Rearward ............................. .149
Up.................................. .149
AirBag ..................................48 Air Bag Operation .........................50
Air Bag Warning Light .....................57
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................51
Enhanced Accident Response ..............56, 425
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................425
If A Deployment Occurs ....................55
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................50
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............58
Side Air Bags ............................51
Air Bag Light ....................... .57, 82, 226
Air Bag Maintenance .........................58
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......437
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................438
Air Conditioning Filter ...................319, 439 Air Conditioning, Operating Tips
............318, 320
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone ...............304, 314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............438, 439
Air Conditioning System .....................438
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .363
Alarm, Panic ...............................17
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................13, 228
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................13
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................... .337
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................446, 472
Disposal .............................. .448
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................344
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................238
Appearance Care .......................... .454
Arming
System (Security Alarm) ................13
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .346
Auto Down Power Windows ...................31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................89
Automatic Door Locks ........................24
Automatic Headlights ...................... .168
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ................244
Automatic Transmission ..................329, 451
Adding Fluid .....................452, 453, 475
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................453
490 INDEX
Cruising Range......................... .385
Engine Oil ............................ .385
Fuel Requirements ....................... .384
Maintenance ........................... .386
Replacement Parts ....................... .385
Starting .............................. .385
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .327
Floor Console ............................ .206
Fluid, Brake ............................. .475
Fluid Capacities ........................... .472
Fluid Leaks ...............................84
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................452, 453
Brake ............................. .450, 475
Cooling System ......................... .445
Engine Oil ............................ .434
Power Steering ...................... .340, 475
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............473
Fog Lights ........................... .170, 468
Fog Light Service .......................... .468
Folding Rear Seat ...................... .159, 164
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .420
Fuel ................................... .380
Adding .............................. .386
Additives ............................. .382Clean Air
............................. .380
Conserving ............................ .245
Ethanol ........................... .381, 384
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .386
Gasoline .............................. .380
Light ................................ .238
Materials Added ........................ .382
Methanol ............................. .381
Octane Rating ....................... .380, 473
Requirements .......................... .380
Saver
Mode ........................... .245
Specifications .......................... .473
Tank Capacity .......................... .472
Fuel, Flexible ............................. .384
Fueling ................................. .386
Fuel Optimizer ........................... .245
Fuel Saver............................... .245
Fuses .................................. .459
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ............190, 195
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................386, 431
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .380
Gasoline (Fuel) Conserving ............................ .245
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .380
10
INDEX 495