Chrysler Le Baron, Dodge Dynasty, Plymouth Acclaim. Manual - part 6

TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT

To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams

use of a wheel lift or flat bed towing device (Fig. 8) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing de-
vice, be sure the unlifted end of disabled vehicle has
at least 100 mm (4 in.) ground clearance. If mini-
mum ground clearance cannot be reached, use a tow-
ing dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach
angle should not exceed 15 degrees.

GROUND CLEARANCE

CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.

A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels

are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to in-
crease the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.

LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING

When a locked vehicle must be towed with the

front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.

FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR

• 4-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44 mph) for
not more than 160 km (100 miles). The steering col-
umn must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
• 3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
• Manual transaxle vehicles can be flat towed at any
legal highway speed with no distance restrictions.
The steering column must be unlocked and gear se-
lector in neutral.

WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACH-
MENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR
LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.

DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR

REAR BUMPER, OR BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER
UNITS.

DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF

NOT

SUPPORTED

PROPERLY

SAFETY

STANDS.

DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A

TOWED VEHICLE.

USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT

FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.

CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other un-
der vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.

Remove or secure loose or protruding objects

from a damaged vehicle before towing.

Refer to state and local rules and regulations be-

fore towing a vehicle.

Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on

lower fascia,

air dams, or spoilers.

TOWING—FRONT WHEEL LIFT

Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be

towed with the front end lifted, whenever possible.

TOWING—REAR WHEEL LIFT

If a front wheel drive vehicle cannot be towed with

the front wheels lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted
provided the following guide lines are observed.

CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to se-
cure steering wheel during towing operation.

• Unlock steering column and secure steering wheel
in straight ahead position with a clamp device de-
signed for towing.
• Verify that front drive line and steering compo-
nents are in good condition.
• 4-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be towed
at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44 mph) for not
more than 160 km (100 miles). The gear selector
must be in neutral position.
• 3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be towed
at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for not
more than 25 km (15 miles). The gear selector must
be in neutral position.
• 3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be towed
at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for not
more than 25 km (15 miles). The gear selector must
be in neutral position.

Fig. 8 Recommended Towing Devices

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE

0 - 7

ENGINE

INDEX

page

Engine Oil Filter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Crankcase Ventilation System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Drive Belts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Emission Control System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Engine Air Cleaner

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Engine Cooling System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Engine Oil

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Frequency of Engine Oil and Filter Changes

. . . . . 8

Fuel Filter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fuel Recommendations

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ignition Cables, Distributor Cap, and Rotor

. . . . . 14

Rubber and Plastic Component Inspection

. . . . . . 15

Spark Plugs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

FREQUENCY OF ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
CHANGES

ENGINE OIL

Road conditions as well as your kind of driving af-

fect the interval at which your oil should be changed.
Check the following to determine if any apply to you:
• Frequent short trip driving less than 8 kilometers
(5 miles)
• Frequent driving in dusty conditions

• Frequent trailer towing

• Extensive idling (such as vehicle operation in stop
and go traffic)
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32°C (90°F)

If any of these apply to you then change your en-

gine oil every 4 800 kilometers (3,000 miles) or 3
months, whichever comes first.

If none of these apply to you then change your oil

every 12 000 kilometers (7,500 miles) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.

If none of these apply and the vehicle is in com-

mercial type service such as, Police, Taxi or Limou-
sine and principally used for highway driving of 40
kilometers (25 miles) or more between stations, the
engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilometers
(5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES

Flexible fuel is corrosive and contributes to engine

oil contamination. When flexible fuel is being used,
the engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilome-
ters (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

OIL FILTER

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new

filter at every second oil change.

ENGINE OIL

WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE IR-
RITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED
BY INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS

YOUR

HEALTH.

THOROUGHLY

WASH

EX-

POSED SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER.

DO NOT WASH SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL

FUEL, THINNER, OR SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROB-
LEMS CAN RESULT.

DO NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE

OIL PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COL-
LECTION CENTER IN YOUR AREA.

BREAK-IN PERIOD

CAUTION: Wide open throttle operation in low
gears, before engine break-in period is complete,
can damage engine.

On a Chrysler Corporation vehicle an extended

break-in period is not required. Driving speeds of not
over 80-90 km/h (50-55 mph) for the first 100 km (60
miles) is recommended. Hard acceleration and high
engine rpm in lower gears should be avoided.

SELECTING ENGINE OIL

CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent or straight
mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase lu-
bricant. Engine or Turbocharger failure can result.

The factory fill engine oil is a high quality, energy

conserving, crankcase lubricant. The Recommended
SAE Viscosity Grades chart defines the viscosity
grades that must be used based on temperature in
the region where vehicle is operated and optional
equipment.

NON-FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES

Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar mo-

tor oil, or equivalent, be used when adding or chang-
ing crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on
the container indicates the viscosity grade, quality
and fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains.
Use ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API
SERVICE SG or SG/CD classification.

0 - 8

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE

• SG service engine oil is a high quality crankcase
lubricant designed for use in all naturally aspirated
engines. If SG service engine oil is used in turbo-
charged engine, change engine oil at every 4 800
km (3,000 miles) or three months.
• SG/CD service engine oil is a high quality crank-
case lubricant designed for use in most naturally as-
pirated and turbocharged gasoline or diesel engines.

FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES

Vehicles operated using Flexible Fuel (M85) re-

quire engine oil that meet or exceed Chrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Mopar Flexible Fuel engine oil or
equivalent should be used when adding or changing
crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on the
container indicates the viscosity grade, quality and
fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains. Use
ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API SER-
VICE SG or SG/CD classification.

ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES

Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar En-

gine Oil Supplement or equivalent be used when fric-
tion and corrosion reducing materials added to the
crankcase lubricant is desired.

CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION

CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil,
oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.

Inspect engine oil level approximately every 800

kilometers (500 miles). Position vehicle on level sur-

face. With engine OFF, allow enough time for oil to
settle to bottom of crankcase, remove engine oil level
indicator (dipstick) and wipe clean. Install dipstick
and verify it is seated in the tube. Remove dipstick,
with handle above tip, take oil level reading (Fig. 2).
Add oil only if level is below MIN or ADD mark on
dipstick.

ENGINE OIL CHANGE

Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals

described in Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules.
Position the vehicle on a level surface. Hoist and
support vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Hoisting
and Jacking Recommendations in this group. Place a
suitable 3.8 liter (4 qt.) drain pan under crankcase
drain. Remove drain plug from crankcase. Inspect
drain plug threads for stretching or other damage.
Replace drain plug and gasket if damaged. Install
drain plug in crankcase. Lower vehicle and fill
crankcase with specified type and amount of engine
oil described in this section. Start engine and inspect
for leaks. Stop engine and inspect oil level.

ENGINE OIL FILTER

SELECTING OIL FILTER

Chrysler Corporation recommends a Mopar or

equivalent oil filter be used when replacement is re-
quired. A replacement filter must be designed to
withstand 1756 kPa (256 psi) of internal pressure.

OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT

Position a drain pan under the oil filter. Using a

suitable oil filter wrench (Fig. 3) loosen filter. When
filter separates from adapter nipple, tip gasket end
upward to minimize oil spill. Remove filter from ve-
hicle. With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing
surface (Fig. 4) of oil and grime. Wipe off oil residue
from below oil filter adapter.

TO INSTALL NEW OIL FILTER:

Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine oil or

chassis grease. Thread filter onto adapter nipple.
When gasket makes contact with sealing surface,
tighten filter one full turn. If necessary use a filter
wrench, do not over tighten. Add oil, verify crank-
case oil level and start engine. Inspect for oil leaks.

RECOMMENDED VISCOSITY GRADES

Fig. 1 API Symbol

Fig. 2 Oil Level Indicator Dipstick—Typical

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE

0 - 9

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO
NOT STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAIN-
ERS. WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY
AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE
GLYCOL. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

DISPOSE OF GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROP-

ERLY, CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT
AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION CEN-
TER IN YOUR AREA.

DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE

ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE, PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN ENGINE

COMPARTMENT

RELATED

SERVICE

PER-

FORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

CAUTION: Do not use straight antifreeze as engine
coolant, inadequate engine running temperatures
can result.

Do not operate vehicle without proper concentra-

tion of recommended ethylene glycol coolant, high
running temperatures and cooling system corrosion
can result.

The engine cooling system will develop internal

pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to 18 psi) at normal op-
erating temperature. Allow the vehicle approxi-
mately one half hour to cool off before opening the
cooling system. As an indicator of pressure, squeeze
the upper radiator hose between index finger and
thumb. If it collapses with little effort the system
would have low internal pressure and should be safe
to open to the first safety notch of the radiator cap.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System.

COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION

Coolant level (Fig. 5) should be inspected when

other engine compartment service is performed or
when coolant leak is suspected. Coolant recovery
tank level should read between the MIN and MAX
marks, located on the side of recovery tank, when the
engine is at normal operating temperature. Normal
coolant level maintenance does not require the re-
moval of radiator cap. Cooling system freeze protec-
tion should be tested at the onset of the winter
season or every 12 months. Service is required if
coolant is low, contaminated, rusty or freeze protec-
tion is inadequate. To properly test cooling system,
see Group 7, Cooling System.

The cooling system factory fill is a mixture of 50%

Glycol based antifreeze and 50% water. Using a suit-
able hydrometer, measure antifreeze concentration in
the radiator when the engine is cool. If the cooling
system has recently been serviced, allow coolant to
circulate for at least 20 minutes before taking hy-
drometer reading. Properly mixed coolant will pro-
tect the cooling system to -37°C (-35°F). If the freeze
protection is above -28°C (-20°F), drain enough cool-
ant from the cooling system to allow room to add an-

Fig. 3 Remove Oil Filter

Fig. 4 Install Oil Filter

Fig. 5 Coolant Recovery Tank

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LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE

Content .. 4 5 6 7 ..