2005 Chrysler Cruiser Owners Manual

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• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine running for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. • Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte- nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open. • Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex- haust gases from entering the vehicle. ADDING FUEL The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2 inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the restricting door. STARTING AND OPERATING 239 Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen- ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle. NOTE: When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door reinforcement. CAUTION! Damage to the fuel system or emission control system could result from using an improper fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel system. 240 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to turn on. CAUTION! To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the fuel tank after filling. NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full. WARNING! • Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank filled. • Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in violation of most state and federal fire regulations and will cause the malfunction indi- cator light to turn on. NOTE: Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly tightened. If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle is refueled. WARNING! A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be burned. Always place gas containers on the ground while filling. VEHICLE LOADING Vehicle Loading Capacities Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 lbs (52 kg) Rated Vehicle Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . 865 lb (392 kg) STARTING AND OPERATING 241 TRAILER TOWING In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re- view this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible. Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main- tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of: • The tongue weight of the trailer. • The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment • Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds put in or on your vehicle. to the load on your vehicle. 242 STARTING AND OPERATING 20 square feet (1.86 square meters). Warranty To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning ve- hicles used for trailer towing. However the following conditions must be met: • The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed • The maximum trailer load for your vehicle is 1,000 lbs • If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing, all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch slippage. • The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire– Safety Information Section in this manual. (454 kg). • The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range must be selected. NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor- mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. WARNING! Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident. • Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire. STARTING AND OPERATING 243 NOTE: Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle speed when road conditions and RPM level allows. • Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for motoring safety. • The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid change intervals. NOTE: Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before towing. NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range should be selected that allows for adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired speed. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES CONTENTS 䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 ▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 ▫ Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 ▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 ▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 ▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 ▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 ▫ With Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 ▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 246 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER Hazard Flasher Switch The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc- tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off. Do not use this emergency warning system when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists. If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition key removed and the vehicle locked. NOTE: With extended use, the flasher may wear down your battery. IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac- tion. • On the highways — Slow down. • In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red) mark, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 247 CAUTION! Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. After appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for service. 248 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES WARNING! JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call a service center if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph. WARNING! • Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift. • The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas. Jack Location The jack and jack-handle are stowed behind the right rear side trim panel in the cargo area. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 249 Spare Tire Stowage The compact spare tire is stowed under the rear of the vehicle by means of a hook/basket mechanism. To re- move or stow the compact spare, use the jack handle to rotate the “spare tire drive” nut. The nut is located under the rear scuff plate at the right rear of the cargo area, just inside the liftgate opening. Do not attempt to raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. Jack Location Lowering Spare Tire 250 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES Spare Tire Removal Lift up the cover and fit the jack-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to the left until you can remove the swivel hook from the stowage basket. Swing the basket down to remove the compact spare tire. CAUTION! The hook is designed for use with the jack handle only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not recommended and can damage the winch. Preparations For Jacking Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or slippery areas, set the parking brake and place the gear selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE (manual transaxle). Turn OFF the ignition. WARNING! Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel. • Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher. • Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally oppo- site the jacking position. For example, if changing the right front tire, block the left rear wheel. • Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the vehicle is being jacked. Jacking Instructions 1. Remove the scissors jack and lug wrench from the stowage bag. If equipped with a center cap that covers the NOTE: wheel nuts, pry off the cap using the small end of the lug wrench. To reinstall the cap, make sure it is properly lined up before pushing it on to the wheel. 2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the ground. CAUTION! Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on the crossmember below the radiator, on the front sus- pension crossmember, or on the rear axle assembly. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 251 3. There are two front jacking locations on each side of the body and rear jacking locations located on the trailing arm bracket under the triangular cut out symbol. Turn the jack screw to the right until the jack head is properly engaged with the lift area closest to the wheel to be changed. Jacking Locations 252 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is securely engaged. 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right, using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install the spare tire. Minimum tire lift provides maximum stability. WARNING! Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire. 5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel and wheel covers where applicable off the hub. Install the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered. WARNING! To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp edges. NOTE: The wheel cover is held on the wheel by the wheel nuts. When reinstalling original wheel, properly align the wheel cover to the valve stem, place the wheel cover onto the wheel, then install the wheel nuts. lbs (135 N·m). If you doubt 6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left. 7. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut torque is 100 ft. that you have tightened the nuts correctly, have them checked with a torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station. 8. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is free. Stow the lug wrench, and jack in their designated location. Secure all parts using the means provided. WARNING! A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve- hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places provided. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 253 9. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area, have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. WARNING! A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immedi- ately. 10. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct pressure as required. 254 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY WARNING! Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan. WARNING! Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans- axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improp- erly, so follow this procedure carefully. 1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. 2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but without letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto- matic transaxle in PARK (manual transaxle in NEU- TRAL) and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles. 3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical loads. 4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of the jumper cable to the positive jump start terminal, located near the Power Distribution Center, of the vehicle with the discharged battery. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 255 WARNING! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contaminated area immediately with large quantities of water. A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam- mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts. 256 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal of the booster battery and then to the negative jump start terminal, located near the hood release latch, of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good contact. Negative Jump Start 6. If the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key Immobi- lizer, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3 seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START position. 7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. 8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se- quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan. DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Acceleration Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip- pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati- cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the surface traction under the front (driving) wheels. WARNING! Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger- ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.). Traction When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be observed: WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 257 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy. 2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles. 3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible. 4. Keep tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden stop. FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con- NOTE: trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle. 258 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres- sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels is most effective. WARNING! Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener- ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam- age or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed. CAUTION! Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph (55km/h). TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition Key Four Speed Automatic Transaxle Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi- tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to the transaxle. Manual Transaxle Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground. All Transaxles CAUTION! If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions. Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension components. Damage to your vehicle may result from improper towing. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 259 If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed (wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the transaxle remains in NEUTRAL. Without The Ignition Key Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam- age to the vehicle. Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground) If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transaxle, it may be towed at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if the transaxle is in neutral. If the ignition key is not available, vehicles with auto- matic transaxles can not be flat towed at any time. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS 䡵 2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 䡵 2.4L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . . . 266 䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 ▫ Engine Oil ▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 273 ▫ Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 ▫ Ignition Wiring System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 ▫ Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 ▫ Engine Timing Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 ▫ Crankcase Emission Control System . . . . . . . . 276 ▫ Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 ▫ Air Cleaner Element (Filter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 ▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 ▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 ▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 ▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 ▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 ▫ Windshield Washer Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 ▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 ▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 ▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 289 ▫ Fuel System Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 ▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 ▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 ▫ Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 ▫ Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297 䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 ▫ Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 ▫ Interior Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 䡵 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 ▫ Headlight Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 ▫ Front Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker Lights . . 309 ▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 309 ▫ Tail/Stop, And Rear Turn Signal Lights . . . . . . 309 ▫ Back Up Light Bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 ▫ Center High Mounted Stop Light . . . . . . . . . . 310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 䡵 Fluids And Capacities 䡵 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263 ▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 ▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.4L TURBO ENGINE COMPARTMENT 2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265 266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 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 transmission control systems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis- sions well within current government regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Al- though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. CAUTION! • Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica- tor Light” on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests can be per- formed. • If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing while the engine is running, severe catalytic con- verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required. EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states which have an I/M (Inspection and Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery replacement. If the OBD system should be determined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267 Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test which you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do the following: 1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. 2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine. 3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test over. 4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check. 5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen: 268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system is not ready and you should not proceed to the I/M station. b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station. If your OBD system is not ready, you should see your authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD system to update. A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate that the system is now ready. Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated during normal vehicle operation, you should have your vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on with the engine running. REPLACEMENT PARTS Use of genuine Mopar威 parts for normal/scheduled maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in- sure the designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the use of non-Mopar威 parts for maintenance and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. DEALER SERVICE Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special tools and equipment to perform all service operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which include detailed service information for your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure yourself. NOTE: systems can result against you. Intentional tampering with emissions control in civil penalties being assessed WARNING! You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 269 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES The pages that follow contain the required maintenance services determined by the engineers who designed your vehicle. Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed maintenance intervals, there are other items that should operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance. However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance. These items should be inspected if a malfunction is observed or suspected. 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. 270 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before starting the engine after it has sat overnight. dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these engines. CAUTION! Overfilling the crankcase as indicated by an oil level above the “Max” mark on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This could damage your engine. Change Engine Oil Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the following list to decide if any apply to you. • Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C). • Stop and Go driving. Engine Oil Dipstick Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the • Extensive engine idling. • Driving in dusty conditions. • Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km). • More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high • Trailer towing. • Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service). • Off-Road or desert operation. • If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C). fuel. If ANY of these apply to you then change your NOTE: engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All Engines” of the ⬙Maintenance Schedules⬙ section of this manual. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 271 If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is equipped with a Non–Turbo Charged Engine then change your engine oil at every interval shown on schedule “A”—NON TURBO in the maintenance sched- ule section of this manual. If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is equipped with a Turbo Charged Engine change your engine oil at every interval shown on schedule “A”—TURBO in the maintenance schedule section of this manual. NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in- tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months whichever comes first. 272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Engine Oil Selection For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395. American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Identification Symbol This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The manufacturer only recommends API Certified engine oils. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera- ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle. For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the Engine Compartment illustration in this section. Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi- fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num- ber should not be used. Synthetic Engine Oils There are a number of engine oils being promoted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use such a product, use only those oils that are American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified and have the recom- mended SAE viscosity grade. Follow the maintenance schedule that describes your driving type. Materials Added To Engine Oils The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi- tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad- ditives. Disposing of Used Engine Oil Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in your area. Engine Oil Filter The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine oil change. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273 Engine Oil Filter Selection All of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace- ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider- ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil filters and are recommended. Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules, check all drive belts for condition and proper tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure. Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re- quired, see your authorized dealer for service. 274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Special tools are required to properly measure tension and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also, check belt routing to make sure there is no interference between the belts and other engine components. Spark Plugs Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor- mance and emission control. New plugs should be in- stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Refer to the Engine data Label located under the hood for the proper type of spark plug for use in your vehicle. Ignition Wiring System The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked, damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced. Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con- verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im- portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst damage. CAUTION! Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv- ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor- mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin- ued operation of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to the converter and the vehicle. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275 WARNING! 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 ex- haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where your exhaust system can contact any- thing that can burn. In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica- tions, should be obtained immediately. 276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage: • Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion. • Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the • Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires vehicle. disconnected for prolonged period. Engine Timing Belt Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described in the appropriate maintenance schedule. Crankcase Emission Control System Proper operation of this system depends on freedom from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly, replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE! Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or plugging deposits. Replace if necessary. Fuel Filter A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary. The fuel filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your dealer for service. Air Cleaner Element (Filter) Under normal driving conditions, replace the filter at the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule “B”. For vehicles with a Turbo engine, a small NOTE: amount of oil accumulation in the air cleaner box is normal. The amount will depend on driving style. The air cleaner box should be cleaned out and a new make-up- air filter element should be installed during the normal air filter maintenance procedure. WARNING! The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the engine compartment before starting the vehicle with the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277 Maintenance-Free Battery You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main- tenance required. CAUTION! When servicing the battery, always reinstall the battery thermowrap. The thermowrap provides bat- tery heat protection and will extend overall battery life. Failure to reinstall the thermowrap can result in evaporative loss of the battery fluid. 278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with large amounts of water. Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to touch each other. Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con- tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. CAUTION! It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that the positive cable is attached to the positive post and the negative cable is attached to the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and clamps after tightening. If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be- fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage as battery damage can result. 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279 WARNING! • Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants approved by the manufacturer for your air condi- tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for further warranty information. • The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be done by an experienced repairman. 280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar- bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro- tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How- ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning service be performed by dealers or other service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment. NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres- sor Oil, or Refrigerants. Power Steering — Fluid Check Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici- pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified DaimlerChrysler Dealership.⬙ WARNING! Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended power steering fluid. If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid types. Front Suspension Ball Joints There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when- ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must be replaced. Body Lubrication Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli- cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular attention should also be given to hood latching compo- nents to insure proper function. When performing other underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated. The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality lubricant such as Mopar威 Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281 Windshield Wiper Blades Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild non abrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film and help reduce streaking and smearing. Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the windshield. make sure that they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc. Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. 282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2. Push the release tab shown in the illustration and slide the wiper blade assembly down along the arm. Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield. 3. Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip until it locks in place. Windshield Washer Reservoir The washer fluid reservoir is located in the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger side and should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze). Washer Fluid Reservoir Exhaust System The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust system. If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have a competent technician inspect the complete ex- haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam- aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change or lubrication. Replace as required. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283 WARNING! Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. Follow the above precautions to keep your exhaust system as safe as possible. 284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Cooling System WARNING! • When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis- connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature controlled and can start at any time the ignition switch is in the ON position. • You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, don’t open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator is hot. Coolant Checks Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the condenser. Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub- ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks. With the engine at normal operating temperature (but not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE- MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT. Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old antifreeze solution. Selection Of Coolant Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct coolant type. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285 CAUTION! Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en- gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool- ant is introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, it should be replaced with the specified coolant as soon as possible. Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator. This vehicle has not been designed for use with Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene Glycol based coolants is not recommended. 286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Adding Coolant Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte- nance period, it is important that you use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi- tive Technology (HOAT) coolant. When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec- ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol- ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below ⫺34°F (⫺37°C ) are anticipated. Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling system. Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main- tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac- cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated. NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant changes. Cooling System Pressure Cap The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the radiator from the coolant recovery bottle. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces. WARNING! • The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre- caution. Never add coolant when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or under pressure. • Do not use a pressure cap other than the one specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine damage may result. Disposal of Used Engine Coolant Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287 do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately. Coolant Level The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera- ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle. The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. 288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE When additional coolant is needed to maintain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill. Points To Remember NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor- ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle. • Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against freezing. • If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres- sure tested for leaks. • Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your engine which contains aluminum components. • Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery 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, also. • 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 coolant performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions. Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots, brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces- sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout- ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or moving component that may cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289 Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou- plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are present. Components should be replaced immediately if there is any evidence of degradation that could cause failure. Fuel System Connections Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are designed with tubes and special connects, connections and clamps which have unique material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio- rated gasoline. You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. 290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Brake System In order to assure brake system performance, all brake system components should be inspected periodically. Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte- nance Section. WARNING! Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly an accident. 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 wouldn’t have your full braking capacity in an emergency. Brake And Power Steering System Hoses When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance, inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces- sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu- lar attention should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed. NOTE: Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera- tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There- fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces- sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced based on leakage. Inspection of brake hoses should be done when- NOTE: ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil change. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291 WARNING! Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure. You could have an accident. If you see any signs of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake hoses replaced immediately. Brake Master Cylinder The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked when performing under hood services, or immediately if the brake system warning lamp 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. 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. 292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE If your vehicle is equipped with a manual NOTE: transaxle, the Brake Fluid Reservoir supplies fluid to both the Brake System and the Clutch Release System. The two systems are separated in the reservoir and a leak in one system will not affect the other system. If the Brake Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System. See your local authorized dealer for service. Brake Fluid Master Cylinder Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. WARNING! Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may result in sudden brake failure during hard pro- longed braking. You could have an accident. WARNING! Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 293 Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the brake fluid as seal damage will result! Automatic Transaxle All front wheel drive vehicles have a transmission and differential assembly contained within a single housing. Selection Of Lubricant It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmission fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. 294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE CAUTION! Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac- turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturers recommended fluid will result in more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. Fluid Level Check The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the transaxle and of the fluid. Procedure For Checking Fluid Level To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the following procedure must be used: 1. The vehicle must be on level ground. 2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for at minimum of 60 seconds. 3. Fully apply parking brake. 4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear position ending with the lever in P (PARK). 5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has been driven at least 24 km (15 miles). The fluid cannot be comfortable held between the finger tips. Warm is when the fluid is between 85° to 125°F (29° to 52°C). MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295 If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between the lower two holes, into the area marked “LOW”. If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmission fluid to bring to the proper level. CAUTION! Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering the transaxle after checking or replen- ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is seated properly. Fluid And Filter Changes Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed as follows: Transaxle Dipstick Location 6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Remove dipstick and note reading. If the fluid is hot, reading should be in the cross hatched area marked “HOT” between the upper two holes in the dipstick. 296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Maintenance schedule “A”—Non Turbo Charged En- gines – No change necessary. Maintenance schedule “A”—Turbo Charged Engines – No change necessary. Maintenance schedule “B”—All Engines – Every 60,000 miles (96 000 km) change fluid and filter under the following conditions: • Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte- nance schedules. If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed. Special Additives The manufacturer recommends against the addition of any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals. Manual Transaxle Lubricant Selection Use only manufacturers recommended transmission fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. Fluid Level Check Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a point not more that 3/16” (4.7 mm) below the bottom of the hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level. Frequency Of Fluid Change Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the following conditions exist: • The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed immediately. • If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance Schedule “B” in Section 8 of this manual. 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, MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297 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 enable 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 sea coast localities. 298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE • Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants. Washing • Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve- hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear water. • If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu- • Use Mopar auto polish to remove road film and stains and to polish your vehicle. 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. lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible. CAUTION! Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch metal and painted surfaces. Special Care • If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a month. • It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels and rear deck lid be kept clear and open. • If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner. • Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches or chips as soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle. • If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or similar cause which destroys the paint and protective coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil- ity of the owner. • If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers, deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well packaged and sealed. • If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299 CAUTION! If your vehicle is equipped with flame or woodgrain graphics, it is recommended that special care be taken when using hand-held pressure washers to clean your vehicle. The pressure of these hand-held car wash wands can vary greatly and could possibly cause damage to the surface of the graphic. Hold the tip of the wand at least 12 inches away from the graphic surface when cleaning the vehicle. Wheel And Wheel Trim Care All wheels and wheel trim, especially Aluminum and Chrome plated, should be cleaned regularly, when cool, using mild soap and water to maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion. Wash them with the same soap solu- tion as the body of your vehicle. Rinse wheels thor- oughly. 300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE When cleaning extremely dirty wheels, care must be taken in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemi- cals and equipment to prevent damage to the wheels. Only Mopar Wheel Cleaners are recommended. DO NOT USE any of the items listed below which can damage your wheels and wheel trim. DO NOT USE: • Any abrasive cleaner • Any abrasive cleaning pad (such as steel wool) or • Any cleaner that contains an acid which can react with • Chrome polish • Oven cleaner • A car wash that uses carbide-tipped wheel cleaning and discolor the chrome surface. abrasive brush brushes or acidic solutions. CAUTION! Many wheel cleaners contain acids that may harm the wheel surface. NOTE: Replacement costs for components damaged as a result of not following the recommended cleaning practices are considered the responsibility of the cus- tomer. Interior Care Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and carpeting. Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery and vinyl trim. 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, deter- gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not required to maintain the original condition. WARNING! Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes. Many are potentially flammable, and if used in closed areas they may cause respiratory harm. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301 Cleaning Headlights Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights. Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be followed. To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol- lowed by rinsing. Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses. 302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Glass Surfaces All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis with any commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru- ments which may scratch the elements. Instrument Panel Cover The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use protectants or other products which may cause undesir- able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the low glare surface. Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses The lenses in front of the instruments in the 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 rag. A mild soap solution may be used, but do not use high alcohol content of abrasive cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag. 2. Dry with a soft tissue. Seat Belt Maintenance Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric. Sun damage will also weaken the fabric. If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the vehicle to wash them. Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the buckles do not work properly. FUSES Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine compartment; next to the air cleaner filter. A label iden- tifying the components and circuits is located on the underside of the cover. Power Distribution Center Location MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303 MAXI FUSE Amp/Color Items Fused 10 30 Amp/Pink 40 Amp/Green Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Ignition Start Pump 40 Amp/Green Ignition Run 30 Amp/Pink Heated Seats 40 Amp/Green Radiator Fan (Lo Speed 50 Amp/Red Turbo Only) High Speed Radiator Fan (Turbo Only) 30 Amp/Pink Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Solenoid 40 Amp/Green Electric Back Light (EBL) Spare 40 Amp/Green IP Fuseblock 304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE MINI FUSE Amp/Color Items Fused 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Air Conditioning (A/C) Stop Lights Fuel Pump/Auto Shut Down (ASD) Electronic Automatic Transaxle (ETAX) 10 Amp/Red 15 Amp/Blue 20 Amp/ Yellow 15 Amp/Blue Horn 20 Amp/ Yellow 15 Amp/Blue Hi Beam 20 Amp/ Yellow 15 Amp/Blue Hazard Flasher 20 Amp/ Yellow Spare 20 Amp/ Yellow Power Outlet IOD Fog Lights (Build-Up Ex- port Only) Spare 22 Interior Fuses The fuse access panel is on the left side of the instrument panel next to the steering column. To remove the panel, pull it out, as shown. A label identifying the components and circuits is located on the inside of the cover. Interior Fuse Panel FUSE Amp/Color Items Fused 10 Headlamp Switch 25 Amp/ Natural 15 Amp/Blue Exterior Lighting RKE/Door Locks 20 Amp/ Yellow 20 Amp/ Yellow 10 Amp/Red Airbag Run Only 10 Amp/Red B/U Electric Back Light Power Height Adjust (EBL) NEU SAF HVAC Blower 25 Amp/ Natural 15 Amp/Blue Fog Lamp (Domestic Only) 10 Amp/Red Airbag Run-ST 10 Amp/Red Cluster/RKE/SKIM MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305 10 Amp/Red Engine Module/ABS- TRAC 10 Amp/Red PDC Relays/LDP 10 Amp/Red Interior Lighting 20 Amp/ Yellow 20 Amp/ Yellow 10 Amp/Red Auto Stick/Ignition Off/ Sunroof/Overhead Console/Radio Wipers/Comb. FLS Run 15 Amp/Blue Heated Seats 10 Amp/Red Heated Mirrors 10 Amp/Red Rt Headlamp 10 Amp/Red Lt Headlamp 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE CAUTION! REPLACEMENT BULBS When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a problem in the circuit that must be corrected. 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. You may: • Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution • Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw). LIGHT BULBS — Inside Bulb No. ABS Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Airbag Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Brake System Warning Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Center Console Floor Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T37 Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6233137 Console Gear Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194 Cruise Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VFD * Dome Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T579 Door Ajar Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VFD * Front Fog Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED High Beam Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Instrument Cluster Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Liftgate Ajar Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Low Fuel Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Low Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Overhead Reading Light (Overhead Console) . . . T1037 Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror) . . . . . T192 Rear Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T906 Seat Belt Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Security Alarm Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Malfunction Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Temperature Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Trac (Active) Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VFD * TRAC OFF Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED Trip Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VFD * Turn Signal Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Visor Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6501966 Voltage Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED NOTE: All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base. Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not be used for replacement. * Vacuum Fluorescent Display MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307 LIGHTS BULBS — Outside Bulb No. Low Beam Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9006XS High Beam Headlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9005XS Front Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4157NAKX Front Fog Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9006 Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921–W16W Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Light . . . . . . 3157–P27/7W Backup Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3157-P27/7W License Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight Bulb Replacement CAUTION! Do not touch the new headlight bulb with your fingers. Oil contamination will severely shorten bulb life. 1. Remove the headlight access cover splash shield, located in the front wheel well opening. 2. Disconnect the electrical connector. 3. Rotate the socket to the left one quarter turn and replace the bulb. Front Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker Lights Front Fog Lights — If Equipped MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309 1. Remove the headlight access cover splash shield, located in the front wheel well opening. 2. Rotate the socket to the left one quarter turn to replace and replace the bulb. 1. Remove the fasteners attaching the lower splash shield to gain access to the fog light. 2. Twist and remove the bulb from the fog light housing. 3. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace bulb. Tail/Stop, and Rear Turn Signal Lights 1. Remove the screw attaching the tail light housing and remove the housing from the vehicle. 310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2. Twist the bulb socket 1/4 turn to remove it from the housing. 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace. Back Up Light Bulb 1. Remove the screws attaching the back up light to the rear fascia and remove the housing. 2. Remove the socket from the housing. 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace. Center High Mounted Stop Light 1. Open the liftgate and remove the liftgate CHMSL cover. 2. Remove CHMSL lens from the housing by unlatching the two side latches. 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace. FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES Fuel (Approximate) Engine Oil-With Filter 2.4 Liter Engines (Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade meet- ing DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.) Cooling System * 2.4 Liter Engines (Mopar威 Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula) * Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311 U.S. 15 Gallons 5.0 qts Metric 56.7 Liters 4.7 Liters 6.5 qts 6.2 Liters 312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Engine Component Engine Coolant Engine Oil Engine Oil Filter Spark Plugs Fuel Selection Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts Mopar威 Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or- ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Non Turbo—Mopar 4105409 or equiv. Turbo—Mopar 4781452AA or equiv. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com- partment. 91 Octane for High Output 2.4L Turbo and 87 Octane for 2.4L Standard Turbo and 2.4L Standard Non Turbo Engines. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313 Chassis Component Automatic Transmission Fluid. Manual Transmission Fluid. Brake Master Cylinder Power Steering Reservoir Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts. Mopar威 ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. Mopar威 ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. Mopar威 DOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or equivalent. Mopar威 ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES CONTENTS 䡵 Emission Control System Maintenance . . . . . . . . 316

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2005 Chrysler Cruiser Owners Manual