ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 8 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (4–Speed Only – If Equipped)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post) 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Remote Jump Start (Negative Battery Post) 12 — Engine Oil Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. When these systems are operatingproperly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 8 — Engine Oil Fill
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking engine oil level when
the engine is cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range markings
consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a crosshatch
zone marked with MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0
liter) of oil when the reading is at the low end of the range
marking will raise the oil level to the high end of the range
marking.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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
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
Pressure Cap........................... .447
Radiator Cap .......................... .447
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......446, 472, 473
Corrosion Protection ....................... .454
Cruise Light .......................... .241, 242
Cupholders .......................... .204, 459
Customer Assistance ....................... .484
Daytime Running Lights .....................170
Dealer Service ............................ .433
Defroster, Rear Window ..................... .215
Defroster, Windshield ........................83
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...................172
Diagnostic System, Onboard ...................430
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ....................171
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................452, 453
Oil (Engine) ........................... .434
Power Steering ......................... .340
Disabled Vehicle Towing .....................423
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................448
Door Ajar ............................... .232
Door Ajar Light ........................... .232Door Locks
Door Locks ..............................22
KeyFob................................22
Remote ................................22
Remote Keyless Entry ......................22
Door Locks, Automatic .......................24
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .190
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .338
Driving To Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .......245
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) .........280
E-85 Fuel ............................... .384
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .........199
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .199
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................90
Electronic Brake Control System ................343
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................344
T
raction Control System ....................348
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........177
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............348
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........231
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................420
10
INDEX 493
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