Page 455 of 510

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
Page 480 of 510

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
Page 501 of 510

Lug Nuts............................... .405
Maintenance Free Battery .....................437
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .434
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .233, 432
Manual, Service ........................... .488
Manual Transaxle Fluid Level Check ....................... .454
Lubricant Selection ...................... .454
Map/Reading Lights ....................... .172
Marker Lights, Side ........................ .467
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .....................450
Methanol ............................... .381
Mini-Trip Computer ........................ .247
Mirrors .............................. .89, 189
Automatic Dimming .......................89
Electric Powered ..........................90
Electric Remote ...........................90
Exterior Folding ..........................92
Heated .................................92
Outside ................................90
Rearview ...............................89
Vanity .................................93
Mode Fuel Saver ............................ .245Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................374
MOPAR Parts ......................... .433, 487
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .381
Multi-Function Control Lever ..................171
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................80
Occupant Restraints .........................34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............380, 473
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .244
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...................244
Oil, Engine ........................... .434, 473
Capacity .............................. .472
Change Interval ..................... .244, 435
Checking ............................. .434
Dipstick .............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .436
Filter ............................. .437,
473
Filter Disposal .......................... .436
Identification Logo ...................... .435
Materials Added To ...................... .436
Pressure Warning Light ....................230
Recommendation .....................435, 472
Synthetic ............................. .436
10
INDEX 499
Page 503 of 510

Radio FrequencyGeneral Information .............11,13,19,22,30
Radio Operation .......................... .297
Radio Remote Controls ..................... .296
Rear Air Conditioning ....................304, 314
Rear Axle (Differential) ..................... .454
Rear Camera ............................. .187
Rear Cupholder ........................... .204
Rear Drive Assembly ....................... .454
Rear Liftgate ...............................33
Rear ParkSense System ..................... .180
Rear Seat, Folding ...................... .159, 164
Rear Window Defroster ..................... .215
Rear Window Features ...................... .214
Rear Wiper/Washer ........................ .214
Reclining Front Seats ....................... .153
Reclining Rear Seats .....................161, 164
Recreational Towing ........................ .400
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .380
Refrigerant .............................. .439
Release, Hood ............................ .166
Reminder, Lights On ....................... .170
Reminder, Seat Belt ..........................36
Remote Control Starting System ...........................20 Remote Keyless Entry
........................16
Panic Alarm .............................17
Programming Additional Key Fobs .............13
Programming Additional Key Fobs .............13
Programming Additional Key Fobs .............18
Programming Additional Key Fobs .............18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........296
Remote Starting Exit Remote Start Mode .....................21
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle . .21
Remote Starting System .......................20
Replacement Bulbs ........................ .465
Replacement Keys ...........................12
Replacement Parts ......................... .433
Replacement Tires ......................... .370
Reporting Safety Defects .................... .487
Resetting
Oil Change Indicator .................244
Restraint, Head ........................... .155
Restraints, Child ............................59
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ..................212
Reverse Lights ............................ .469
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck ...................420
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack) ....................216
Rotation, Tires ............................ .37210
INDEX 501