
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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are three possible dipstick types,
• Crosshatched zone.
• Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
• Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of
the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
• Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN and
the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE: Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 liters) of oil when the reading is at the
low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the
high end of the range marking. CAUTION!Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment, and the fluid level should be checked
at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not engine coolant/ antifreeze). Refer to
“Engine Compartment” in this section for further informa-
tion.
WARNING!Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.236 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at
every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality oil filters
and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Be sure to follow the “Severe 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 (Continued) WARNING! (Continued)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 ve-
hicle 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 recommended.
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.240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
WARNING!• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its performance. The (Continued) WARNING! (Continued)proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed hydraulic
master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision. 8SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 253

About Your Brakes ........................ .285
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............ .250
Adding Fuel ............................. .186
Adding Washing Fluid ...................... .236
Additives, Fuel ........................... .287
Air Bag
Air Bag Operation ....................... .127
Air Bag Warning Light .................... .124
Driver Knee Air Bag ..................... .128
Enhanced Accident Response ............ .133, 228
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................ .228
If Deployment Occurs .................... .132
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .127
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ............ .136
Maintenance ........................... .136
Side Air Bags .......................... .128
Transporting Pets ....................... .153
Air Bag Light ...................... .84, 124, 155
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ..... .240
Air Conditioner Maintenance ................. .240
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ............... .240, 241
Air Conditioner System ..................... .240
Air Conditioning Filter ................... .55, 242
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................54
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ................. .241 Air Filter ............................... .240
Air Pressure
Tires................................. .264
Alarm
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alarm System
Security Alarm ...........................22
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................5
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... .249, 290
Capacities ............................. .290
Disposal .............................. .251
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ .100
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. .88, 93
Arming System
Security Alarm ........................... 2 2
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .296
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ .34, 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............... .231
Automatic Transmission ................. .168, 254
Adding Fluid .......................... .255
Autostick ............................. .174
Fluid And Filter Change .................. .255
Fluid Change .......................... .255
Fluid Level Check ....................... .255
Fluid Type ......................... .254, 293322 INDEX

Special Additives ........................ .254
Autostick ............................... .174
Battery .............................. .85, 237
Charging System Light .....................85
Jump Starting .......................... .220
Belts, Seat ............................... .155
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................. .244
B-Pillar Location .......................... .259
Brake Assist System ........................ .101
Brake Fluid .......................... .291, 293
Brake, Parking ............................ .164
Brake System ......................... .252, 285
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... .100, 285
Fluid Check ........................... .253
Master Cylinder ........................ .253
Parking .............................. .164
Warning Light ...........................84
Brake/Transmission Interlock ................. .169
Bulb Replacement ......................... .197
Bulbs, Light .......................... .157, 197
Camera, Rear ............................ .185
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .......... .290
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .290 Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .186
Oil (Engine) ........................ .231, 239
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................ .251
Carbon Monoxide Warning ............... .154, 290
Car Washes .............................. .278
Cellular Phone ........................... .308
Certification Label ......................... .188
Chains, Tire ............................. .274
Change Oil Indicator .................... .82, 231
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .255
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....96
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .............. .154
Checks, Safety ............................ .154
Child Restraint ........................... .137
Child Restraints
Booster Seats ........................... .141
Child Seat Installation .................... .151
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt ....... .147
Infant And Child Restraints ................ .140
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ...... .143
Older Children And Child Restraints .......... .140
Seating Positions ........................ .142
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .28712 INDEX 323

Electronic Brake Control System ............... .101
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. .103
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..........86
Emergency, In Case Of
Hazard Warning Flasher .................. .197
Jacking ............................... .255
Jump Starting .......................... .220
Towing ............................... .226
Emission Control System Maintenance ............96
Engine
Air Cleaner ............................ .240
Break-In Recommendations ................ .163
Checking Oil Level ...................... .236
Compartment .......................... .235
Cooling .............................. .248
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. .154, 290
Fails To Start ........................... .162
Flooded, Starting ........................ .162
Fuel Requirements ................... .287, 291
Oil .............................. .238, 290
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .239
Oil Filter .............................. .240
Oil Selection ........................ .238, 291
Oil Synthetic ........................... .239
Overheating ........................... .224 Starting .............................. .161
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ........ .133, 228
Ethanol ................................. .288
Exhaust Gas Cautions ................... .154, 290
Exhaust System ....................... .154, 247
Exterior Lighting ............................37
Exterior Lights ...................... .37, 157, 197
Filters
Air Cleaner ............................ .240
Air Conditioning ..................... .55, 242
Engine Fuel ........................... .291
Engine Oil ............................ .240
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .239
Flashers
Turn Signals ...................... .37, 94, 157
Flash-To-Pass ..............................37
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .162
Fluid, Brake ............................. .293
Fluid Capacities ........................... .290
Fluid Leaks .............................. .157
Fluid Level Checks
Brake ................................ .253
Engine Oil ............................ .236
Fluids .................................. .29112 INDEX 325

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...........89
Park ............................... .39, 94
Passing ............................. .37, 38
Seat Belt Reminder ........................87
Security Alarm ...........................22
Service ............................... .197
Traction Control ........................ .105
Turn Signal ..............................40
Turn Signals ...................... .37, 94, 157
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ........86
Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions ........94
Loading Vehicle ........................... .188
Tires................................. .259
Locks
Power Door .............................25
Lubrication, Body ......................... .244
Lug Nuts/Bolts ........................... .285
Maintenance Free Battery .................... .237
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .231
Maintenance Schedules ..................... .231
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) ..... .89, 96
Manual, Service ........................... .320
Manual Transmission ................... .165, 254
Fluid Level Check ....................... .254 Frequency Of Fluid Change ................ .254
Lubricant Selection ................... .254, 293
Memory Seat ..............................29
Methanol ............................... .288
Mirrors ..................................34
Automatic Dimming ................... .34, 35
Electric Powered ..........................36
Heated ............................. .34, 37
Outside ................................34
Rearview ...............................34
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................5
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................. .106
Mopar Parts ............................. .319
MP3 Control ............................. .308
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... .37, 38
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................. .163
Occupant Restraints ......................... 1 13
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................ .287
Oil Change Indicator .........................82
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ....................82
Oil, Engine ....................... .238, 290, 291
Capacity .......................... .290, 291
Change Interval ........................ .238328 INDEX

Checking ............................. .236
Dipstick .............................. .236
Disposal .............................. .239
Filter ................................ .240
Filter Disposal .......................... .239
Identification Logo ...................... .238
Materials Added To ...................... .239
Pressure Warning Light .....................87
Recommendation .................... .238, 290
Synthetic ............................. .239
Viscosity .............................. .239
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .240
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .240
Oil Pressure Light ...........................87
Onboard Diagnostic System ....................95
Operating Precautions ........................95
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............5
Outlet
Power .................................68
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................34
Overheating, Engine ....................... .224
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........5,320
Paint Care ............................... .277
Parking Brake ............................ .164 Passing Light ..............................38
Pets ................................... .153
Placard, Tire And Loading Information .......... .259
Power
Brakes ............................... .285
Door Locks ..............................25
Mirrors ................................36
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .............68
Steering .............................. .177
Sunroof ................................57
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ............... .120
Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. .121
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .265
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ............ .251
Radio Frequency
General Information .................... .19, 22
Radio Operation .......................... .308
Rear Camera ............................. .185
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) .........................65
Recreational Towing ........................ .190
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .287
Refrigerant .............................. .241
Release, Hood ..............................63 12 INDEX 329