steering DODGE INTREPID 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing 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. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8.
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 surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular 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.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an
indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation)
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
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 shows system failure.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be
needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genu-
ine Parts section for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified (GF-3). Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Oil Filter MoparOil Filter
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (front-rear) MoparHypoid Gear Lubricant (SAE 80W-90). Do not use Synthetic Gear
Lubricants.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT-3 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door pillar.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209
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Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule “A” 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule “B” 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
214 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.XX
Replace the drive belts. X
Replace the power steering fluid. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*‡X
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and fil-
ter.X
SCHEDULE “B” 219
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Electric Remote....................... 54
Outside............................. 54
Rearview............................ 53
Vanity.............................. 55
Mopar Parts........................171,231
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 63
Occupant Restraints...................... 26
Odometer............................. 91
Oil, Engine........................... 172
Change Interval...................... 174
Checking........................... 172
Dipstick............................ 172
Disposal............................ 177
Filter.............................. 178
Identification Logo.................... 176
Materials Added to.................... 177
Quality............................. 176
Recommendation..................... 175
Synthetic........................... 177
Onboard Diagnostic System............169,170
Opener, Garage Door..................... 70
Operator Manuals........................ 4Overhead Console.....................70,77
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 77
Overheating, Engine..................... 152
Owner’s Manual......................4,233
Paint Care............................ 197
Paint Damage......................... 197
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 132
Parking On Hill........................ 133
Passing Light........................... 64
Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting....................... 46
Power
Distribution Center.................... 202
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet.............................. 81
Seats............................... 56
Steering............................ 135
Steering, Checking.................... 183
Sunroof............................. 76
TrunkLid ............................ 25
Windows............................ 25
INDEX 245
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Service Engine Soon Light................ 169
Service Manuals........................ 233
Setting the Clock........................ 93
Shoulder Belts.......................... 31
Side Airbag............................ 38
Side View Mirror Adjustment............... 54
Side Window Demisters.................. 122
Signals, Turn........................... 64
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 161
Snow Chains.......................... 140
Snow Tires............................ 140
Spare Tire............................ 139
Spark Plugs........................... 178
Specifications.......................... 208
Engine............................. 208
Speed Control........................67,89
Speedometer........................... 89
Starting.............................. 127
Steering
Linkage............................ 184
Power...........................135,183
Tilt Column.......................... 65
Stuck, Freeing......................... 162Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 145
Sun Roof............................76,77
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 33
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 177
Tachometer............................ 88
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 153
Theft Alarm............................ 23
Theft System........................... 23
Tilt Steering Column..................... 65
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 62
Timing Belt........................... 180
Tires ...........................48,136,235
Air Pressure......................136,137
Alignment.......................... 143
Balancing........................... 143
Chains............................. 140
Changing........................153,154
Flat Changing........................ 153
High Speed......................... 138
Jacking............................. 154
Pressure Label....................... 137
Quality Grading...................... 235
INDEX 247
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