Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The instrument cluster display will indicate when the
washer fluid level is low. When the sensor detects a low
fluid level, the windshield will light on the vehicle graphic
outline and the “WASHER FLUID LOW” message will be
displayed.The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the rear
window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is located in
the engine compartment, be sure to check the fluid level at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer
solvent only (not radiator antifreeze). When refilling the
washer fluid reservoir, take some washer fluid and apply it
to a cloth or towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this
will help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up of your
windshield washer system in cold weather, select a solu-
tion or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information can be found
on most washer fluid containers.
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.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 399
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.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
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
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 403
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level within the designated marks on the side of the
reservoir of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing cap. 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. If the brake fluid is abnormally low, check the
system for leaks.Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” 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
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
(Continued)
420 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 transmis-
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit an
authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an authorized
dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage may
occur. An 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 the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be inspected.
If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be no lower than 1/8 inch
(3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be tightened to 22
to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the plugs as it could damage them
and cause them to leak.
422 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be no lower than 1/8 inch
(3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
The rear axle fill and drain plugs should be tightened to 22
to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the plugs as it could damage them
and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons the
exterior surfaces of the transfer case assembly should be
inspected. If oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole, until it runs out of the hole,
when the vehicle is in a level position.
Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug. Recom-
mended tightening torque for drain and fill plugs is 15 to
25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When installing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the vehicle, go to
an authorized dealer or service station.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 423
Caps, FillerOil (Engine) ..................... .398, 401, 402
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................418
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................251, 460
Cargo Area Cover ......................... .107
Cargo Compartment ....................... .107
Light ................................ .107
Luggage Carrier ........................ .128
Cargo Light ............................. .107
Cargo Tie-Downs .......................... .108
Car Washes .............................. .448
Cellular Phone ........................... .530
Center High Mounted Stop Light ...............364
Chains, Tire ............................. .444
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .423
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .425
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .166
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............250
Checks, Safety ............................ .250
Child Restraint ........................... .225
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .228
Child Seat Installation .....................244
How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt ........241
Infant And Child Restraints .................227 Locating The LATCH Anchorages
.............234
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......231
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........228
Seating Positions ........................ .230
Child Safety Locks ..........................40
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .457
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .443
Climate Control ............................82
Automatic ..............................83
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .263
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................545
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .441
Contract,
Service.......................... .550
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............418
Cooling System ........................... .415
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................417
Coolant Level .......................... .418
Cooling Capacity ........................ .460
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................418
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................416
Inspection ......................... .415, 418
Points To Remember ..................... .419
Pressure Cap ........................... .418
Radiator Cap .......................... .418
556 INDEX
Coolant (Antifreeze)..................... .461
Cooling .............................. .415
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................251, 460
Fails To Start ........................... .262
Flooded, Starting ........................ .262
Jump Starting .......................... .382
Oil ........................... .401, 460, 461
Oil Filler Cap .....................398, 401, 402
Oil Filter .............................. .403
Oil Selection ........................ .401, 460
Oil Synthetic ........................... .402
Overheating ........................... .385
Starting ........................... .258, 259
Engine Oil Viscosity .....................401, 402
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........223, 390
Ethanol ................................. .458
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................251, 460
Exhaust System ....................... .251, 413
Exterior Lights ...................... .70, 254, 360
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .403
Air Conditioning ..................... .97, 405
Engine Oil ......................... .403, 461
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .402Flashers
................................ .354
Hazard Warning ........................ .354
Turn Signals ..................163, 254, 362, 363
Flash-To-Pass ..............................72
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .262
Fluid, Brake ............................. .462
Fluid Capacities ........................... .460
Fluid Leaks .............................. .254
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .420
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .461
Fog Lights .............................. .363
Fog
Lights, Service ........................ .363
Fold-Flat Seats .............................42
Folding Rear Seats ..........................42
Forward Collision Warning ....................187
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................354
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .388
Front Axle (Differential) ..................... .422
Fuel ................................... .457
Additives ............................. .457
Clean Air ............................. .457
Economy Mode ......................... .269
Ethanol .............................. .458
Gasoline .............................. .457
558 INDEX
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .158, 166
ManualService ............................... .552
Memory Feature (Memory Seats) ................53
Memory Seat ..............................53
Memory Seats And Radio .....................53
Methanol ............................... .458
Mirrors ..................................66
Electric Remote ...........................68
Exterior Folding ..........................67
Heated .................................69
Outside ................................67
Rearview ........................... .66, 354
Vanity .................................69
Modifications/Alterations Vehicle .................................6
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................191
Mopar Parts ............................. .551
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................70
Occupant Restraints ........................ .197
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............457, 461
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .143
Reset ................................ .143
Oil, Engine ........................... .401, 461Capacity
.............................. .460
Change Interval ........................ .401
Dipstick .............................. .399
Disposal .............................. .402
Filter ............................. .403, 461
Filter Disposal .......................... .402
Identification Logo ...................... .402
Materials Added To ...................... .402
Pressure Warning Light ....................157
Recommendation .....................401, 460
Synthetic ............................. .402
Viscosity ....................... .401, 402, 460
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .403
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .403
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .157
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................165
Opener
, Garage Door (Homelink) ...............109
Operating Precautions ...................... .165
Operator Manual Owner’s Manual .......................5,552
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................67
Overheating, Engine ....................... .385
Paint Care ............................... .448
Parking Brake ............................ .265
562 INDEX