
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs
may result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance 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 abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. Riding the
brakes may also reduce braking capacity in an
emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
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. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives
to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission com-
ponents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
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
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid level using special
service tools. 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 dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed
at the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle. Routine fluid and filter changes
are not required. However, change the fluid and filter if
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303

the fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will en-
able you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.The most common causes are:
•
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your
vehicle in the shade using MOPAR Car Wash, or a
mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely
with clear water.
• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to
protect your paint finish. Take care never to scratch
the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityMaxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F06 20 Amp Yellow –Radiator Fan - Single Speed
F06 30 Amp Green –Radiator Fan - Low Speed
F07 40 Amp Orange –Radiator Fan - High Speed
F08 40 Amp Orange –Blower Motor
F09 –10 Amp Red Powertrain
F10 –10 Amp Red Horn
F11 –15 Amp Blue Powertrain
F11 –10 Amp Red Powertrain (Multiair – If Equipped)
F14 –5 Amp Tan High Beam (Shutter)
F15 –15 Amp Blue Cigar Lighter
F16 –7.5 Amp Brown Transmission
F17 –25 Amp Clear Powertrain (Multiair – If Equipped)
F17 –15 Amp Blue Powertrain
F18 –15 Amp Blue Powertrain
F18 –5 Amp Tan Powertrain (Multiair – If Equipped)
F19 –7.5 Amp Brown Air Conditioning
F20 –15 Amp Blue Heated Seats – If Equipped
F21 –15 Amp Blue Fuel Pump
F22 –20 Amp Yellow Powertrain
F23 –20 Amp Yellow Anti-Lock Brake Valves
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityMaxi Fuse Mini Fuse Description
F24 –7.5 Amp Brown Stability Control System
F30 –15 Amp Blue Fog Lamps
F82 30 Amp Green –Sunroof/Convertible Top
F83 20 Amp Yellow –Cooling Pump – If Equipped
F84 –10 Amp Red Transmission
F85 30 Amp Green –Rear Defroster
F87 –5 Amp Tan Rear Defroster
F90 –5 Amp Tan Heated Mirrors – If Equipped
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again. NOTE:
When the vehicle has not been started or driven
for at least 30 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is
required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315

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 sys- tem turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and hoses.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses. Check and adjust hand brake.Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off- road conditions.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 325

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............297
Adding Fuel ............................. .242
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .293
Additives, Fuel ........................... .241
AirBag ..................................32 Advance Front Air Bag .....................32
Air Bag Operation .........................33
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................34
Enhanced Accident Response ................276
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................276
FrontAirBag ............................32
If A Deployment Occurs ....................38
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................34
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............42
Transporting Pets .........................59
Air Bag Light .......................... .61, 118
Air Bag Maintenance .........................42
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......286
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................288
Air Conditioning Filter ...................178, 289
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............177
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ..................288
Air Conditioning System ..................177, 288
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .220Alarm
Disarm The System ........................12
Vehicle Security Alarm .....................12
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................12
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................296, 320
Capacities ............................. .320
Disposal .............................. .298
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................203
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................133
Appearance Care .......................... .304
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .150
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................71
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ................324
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........177
Automatic Transaxle ..........................9
Automatic Transmission ...............189, 302, 303
Adding
Fluid .......................... .303
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................303
Fluid Change .......................... .303
Fluid Level Check ....................... .303
Fluid Type ............................ .322
Gear Ranges ........................... .192
Special Additives ........................ .303
336 INDEX

Electronic Brake Control System................203
Brake Assist System ...................... .204
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ..........90
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............206
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........122
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ...................247
Jacking ............................... .258
Jump Starting .......................... .268
Towing ............................... .274
Emission Control System Maintenance ............281
Engine Air Cleaner ............................ .286
Break-In Recommendations ..................59
Checking Oil Level ...................... .283
Compartment .......................... .279
Cooling .............................. .295
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................60, 242
Fails To Start ........................... .186
Flooded, Starting ........................ .186
Fuel Requirements ....................239, 321
Oil .............................. .283, 320
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .285
Oil Filter .............................. .286
Oil Selection ........................ .284, 321Oil Synthetic
........................... .285
Overheating ........................... .247
Starting .............................. .184
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............276
Ethanol ................................. .239
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................60, 242
Exhaust System ........................ .60, 293
Exterior Lights ......................... .63, 316
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .286
Air Conditioning .....................178, 289
Engine Fuel ........................... .321
Engine
Oil ............................ .286
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .286
Flashers Turn Signal ......................... .63, 135
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .186
Fluid, Brake ............................. .322
Fluid Capacities ........................... .320
Fluid Leaks ...............................63
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................303
Fluids .................................. .321
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............321
10
INDEX 339