432 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, dete-
riorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubrica -
tion or oil change. Replace as required.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
WARNING!
• Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventu -
ally poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety
Tips” in “Safety” for further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over materials that can burn. Such materials might be grass
or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust system.
Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective -
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device and
may seriously reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the
event of engine malfunction, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible
damage to the converter and vehicle.
438 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
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 the fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid
level may be caused by a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
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 abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci -
fications” 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 cylinder
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 unexpect -
edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 441
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again 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. The fluid level should
be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes on the
dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the fluid
level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube to bring
it to the proper level. Do not overfill. Use ONLY the spec -
ified fluid (see "Fluids And Lubricants" for fluid specifica -
tions). After adding any quantity of oil through the
dipstick tube, wait a minimum of 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 oper -
ating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two
“COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting the fluid level after a trans
-
mission service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature.
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the oper -
ating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two
COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at 68-86°F
/ 20-30°C. Only use the COLD region of the dipstick as a
rough reference when setting the fluid level after a transmis -
sion service or fluid change. Re-check the fluid level, and
adjust as required, once the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature. CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50 °F (10 °C) it may not
register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the
temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate
reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the
fluid.
7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 443
Drain And Refill
On 4500/5500 vehicles, remove the lower bolt to drain the
axle fluid.4500/5500 Rear Axle Plugs
Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in this chapter for the proper
maintenance intervals. Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will result in
corrosion and possible failure of differential components.
Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be encountered in
some off-highway types of service, will require draining and
refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
NOTE:
Slight noise and mild shuddering may be evident while
turning a vehicle with limited slip differential on concrete or
dry pavement. These conditions should be considered
normal operation of the limited slip differential.
1 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Fill Plug
2 — 4500/5500 Rear Axle Fluid Drain Plug7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 459
(Continued)
NOTE:
Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well when installing
new tires due to wear and tear in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little expo-
sure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil,
grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replacement
is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica -
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa -
tion placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol
for your tire will be found on the original equipment tire
sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety
Information” section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire. It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear
tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect
your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the orig
-
inal wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire dealer or
original equipment dealer with any questions you may have
on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling,
and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or speed rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combi -
nations of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteris -
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension compo -
nents. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
7
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 473
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun
damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or luke-
warm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to
wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
NOTE:
If the belts retract slowly, inspect the upper turning loop for
soiling. If soiling is present, clean with a wet soft cloth until
all residue is removed.Plastic And Coated Parts
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care must
be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft cloth. A mild soap solution may be used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
cloth.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not
disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.).
CAUTION!
• Direct contact of air fresheners, insect repellents, suntan lotions, or hand sanitizers to the plastic,
painted, or decorated surfaces of the interior may cause
permanent damage. Wipe away immediately.
• Damage caused by these type of products may not be covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
474 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Leather Parts
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for leather
upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act
as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery and
should be removed promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn
soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your leather
upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils,
cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based
cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Application of a
leather conditioner is not required to maintain the original
condition.
NOTE:
If equipped with light colored leather, it tends to show any
foreign material, dirt, and fabric dye transfer more so than
darker colors. The leather is designed for easy cleaning, and
FCA recommends Mopar total care leather cleaner applied
on a cloth to clean the leather seats as needed.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis with
Mopar Glass Cleaner, or any commercial household-type
glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use
caution when cleaning the inside rear window equipped
with electric defrosters or windows equipped with radio
antennas. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instruments
that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or cloth that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.CAUTION!
Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or Ketone
based cleaning products to clean leather upholstery, as
damage to the upholstery may result.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 477
Torque Specifications
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.
NOTE:
Dual wheels are flat mounted, center piloted. The lug nuts
are a two-piece assembly. When the tires are being rotated or
replaced, clean these lug nuts and add two drops of oil at the
interface between the hex and the washer. Ensure that the
socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt (do not insert it
half way). Oil Interface Location
Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do not substitute
with chrome plated wheel nuts.
Lug Nut/Bolt
Torque
Lug Nut/Bolt
Type**Lug Nut/
Bolt SizeLug Nut/Bolt
Socket Size
120-150 Ft-Lbs
(160-200 N·m)
Cone
M14 x 1.50 22 mm
130-160 Ft-Lbs
(190-220 N·m)
Flanged
8