Maintenance Information Dodge Aries I

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article in this section. Warranty information and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and battery type are covered in this article.

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

1. Sustained High Speed Driving In Hot Weather
2. Stop-And-Go Driving In Dusty Conditions
3. Extensive Idling
4. Frequent Short Trips
5. Trailer Towing Or Commercial Use

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT (EXCEPT 2.6L)

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

TIRE INFLATION

Tire pressure specification decal is attached to the rear face of the driver's door. Inflation pressures listed on decal is always cold inflation pressure. The cold inflation pressure must never exceed the maximum values molded into the tire side wall.

Note. Cold inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has set for 3 hours without being driven, or driven less than a mile after being parked for a 3 hour period.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicles are delivered with a maintenance-free battery. Water need never be added to a maintenance free-battery. The battery contains a visual tester. A Green indicator is seen when an adequate charge level exists, a Black indicator implies charging is required and a Yellow indicator appears when replacement is necessary.

BATTERY WARNING

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

ENGINE OIL

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY

Everything is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This basic warranty covers the cost to all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on the vehicle that have been proven defective in material, workmanship, or factory preparation under normal use.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

This warranty takes effect upon the expiration of the 12-month/12,000-mile Basic New Car Limited Warranty and covers the following components. For 1983-87 models, the warranty is in effect for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For 1988-89 models this warranty is effective for 6 years or 68,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This warranty is subject to a 100.00 deductible for each repair visit.

1. Engine Cylinder block and all internal parts, cylinder head assemblies, core plugs, valve covers, oil pan, timing gear drive belts and/or chains and cover, oil pump, intake and exhaust manifolds, water pump and housing, turbocharger housings and internal parts, turbocharger wastegate actuator, seals and gaskets.
2. Transmission Case and all internal parts, oil pan, torque converter with starter ring gear, flexplate, bellhousing, flywheel, seals and gaskets.
3. FWD Components Transaxle electronic controller, transaxle case and all internal parts, oil pan and differential cover, torque converter and drive plate with starter ring gear, bellhousing, flywheel, drive shaft assemblies, universal joints, housing and boots, seals and gaskets.
4. Drive Shaft & Drive Axles Drive shaft assemblies (front and rear), universal joints and yokes, drive shaft center bearings, drive axle housing and all internal parts, disconnect housing assembly, axle shafts and bearings, seals and gaskets.

CORROSION WARRANTY

This warranty is effective starting on the date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first. It covers all rust-through damage to any sheet metal panels due to corrosion. A 36-month, unlimited mileage warranty covers all body sheet metal panels. In addition, the following warranties apply

1. 1983-87 Outer-body sheet metal panels are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
2. 1988-89 Outer-body sheet metal panels are covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION SYSTEM "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES

Under the "Defect" Warranty, Chrysler warrants that the vehicle is free from defects in material and workmanship which would cause it to fail to meet Federal standards for emission control system set at the time the vehicle was built.

The "Performance" Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a Federally-approved state or local emissions test. The following is a list of some of the primary components that affect the emissions of the vehicle and are covered by both warranties.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the "Performance" warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. Warranties begin on Warranty Start Date and last for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

1. Carburetor Feedback Control System
2. Electronic Fuel Injection System
3. Air Cleaner Vapor Containment Door System
4. Electronic Spark Control
5. Electronic Control Module
6. Vapor Storage Canister And Controls
7. Deceleration Throttle Control
8. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve And Control System
9. Air Pump, Belt And Pulley
10. Air Injection Controls
11. Intake Manifold
12. PCV Valve
13. Catalytic Converter
14. Vacuum Hoses, Clamps, Fittings And Tubing
15. Vacuum, Temperature, Altitude, Speed And Time-Sensitive Valves

Scheme 5

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Hazard Flasher
2. 2 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Back-Up Lights, Radiator Fan Relay (1985)
3. 3 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Window Motors
4. 4 - 30 Amp (Lt. Green) - A/C Or Heater Blower Motor
5. 5 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Park, Tail, Side Marker & License Lights, Electronics Display Intensity
6. 6 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Stop, Dome, Ignition Switch, Vanity Mirror, Trunk, Cargo, Reading & Door Courtesy Lights, Ignition Switch Relay Delay
7. 7 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Glove Box & Door Open Warning Lights, Horns, Horn Relay, Cigarette Lighter, Buzzer, Chimes, Liftgate Warning Light
8. 8 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Seat Motors, Power Door Locks
9. 9 - 5 Amp (Tan) - Radio
10. 10 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Turn Signal Lights, Police Relay Package, A/C Radiator Fan & Clutch Relay (1983-84), Heated Rear Window Switch & Relay (1983-85)
11. 11 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Front Windshield Wiper & Washers
12. 12 - 3 Amp (Violet) - Electronic Cluster
13. 12 - 4 Amp (Pink, 1985) - Cluster, A/C & Heater Control, Console, Radio, Heated Rear Window, Rear Washer & Wiper, Ashtray
14. 13 - 5 Amp (Tan) - Fuel Gauge, BRAKE Warning, Engine & Seat Belt Warning Buzzer
15. 14 - 6 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Rear Washer & Wiper, Speed Control (1983-84) Electric Deck Lid Or Liftgate Release (1983-84)
16. 15 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Left Spotlight
17. 16 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Right Spotlight
18. 17 - Hazard Warning Flasher
19. 18 - Relay - Time Delay
20. 19 - Relay - Horn
21. 20 - 6 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Gold Can
22. 21 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Silver Can

1. 1 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Hazard Flasher
2. 2 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Back-Up & Cornering Lights, Radiator Fan Relay, EBL Relays, Auto Load Leveling, ATC Control Electronics, ATC In-Car Sensor & Overhead Console (1987)
3. 3 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Window Motors
4. 4 - 30 Amp (Lt. Green) - A/C & Heater Blower Motor, ATC Power Module, ATC In-Car Motor
5. 5 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Park, Tail, Cargo, Side Marker & License Lights, Electronic Display Intensity, Cavity 12, Overhead Console & ATC Control (1987)
6. 6 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Stop, Dome, Ignition Switch, Vanity Mirror, Trunk, Cargo, Reading & Door Courtesy Lights, Ignition Switch Time Relay Delay, Power Mirrors, Auto Load Leveling, Overhead Console Lights (1987), Under-Panel Courtesy Lights (1987), Center High Mounted Stoplights (1987)
7. 7 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Glove Box Light, Cigarette Lighter, Chimes, Seat Belt Buzzer, Electronic Traveler Cluster (1987), Electronic Voice Alert & Memory, Power Antenna, Speaker Amplifier, Horns & Horn Relay (1986)
8. 8 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Seat Motors, Power Door Locks, Horns & Horn Relay (1987)
9. 9 - 10 Amp (Red) - Radio, Power Amplifier Relay, Speakers (1987)
10. 10 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Turn Signal Lights, Police Relay Package
11. 11 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Front Windshield Wiper & Washers
12. 12 - 3 Amp (Violet) - Electronic Cluster
13. 12 - 4 Amp (Pink) - Cluster, A/C & Heater, Electronic Dimming (1987), Console, Radio, Heated Rear Window, ATC Control, Rear Washer & Wipers, Navigator Light (1986), Gear Selector & Cigarette Lighter Lights, Ashtray
14. 13 - 5 Amp (Tan) - Oil Pressure, BRAKE & Seat Belt Warning Lights, Speed Control, Gauges, Electronic Cluster, Seat Belt Warning Buzzer, Chimes, Light Bar Electronic Voice Alert, Low Fuel Light (1987), Trunk & Liftgate Ajar Light (1987)
15. 14 - 6 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Rear Washer & Wiper, Liftgate Release, Electric Deck Lid Release (1987)
16. 15 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Left Spotlight
17. 16 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Right Spotlight
18. 17 - Hazard Warning Flasher
19. 18 - Relay - Time Delay
20. 19 - Relay - Horn
21. 20 - 6 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Gold Can
22. 21 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Silver Can

Scheme 6

1. 1 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Hazard Flasher
2. 2 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Auto Load Leveling, Back-Up & Cornering Lights, Radiator Fan & Rear Defogger Relay
3. 3 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Window Motors
4. 4 - 30 Amp (Lt. Green) - A/C & Heater Blower Motor
5. 5 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Park, Tail, Side Marker & License Lights
6. 6 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Stop & Center High Mounted Stoplights, Seat Belt Buzzer, Chimes, Electronic Cluster
7. 7 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Horns, Horn Relay, Cigarette Lighter, Speaker Amplifier
8. 8 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Seat Motors, Power Door Locks
9. 9 - 10 Amp (Red) - Radio, Speakers, Power Antenna Relay
10. 10 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Turn Signal & Console Bin Lights, Police Relay Package
11. 11 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Front Windshield Wiper & Washers
12. 12 - 3 Amp (Violet) - Electronic Cluster
13. 12 - 4 Amp - Mechanical Cluster, A/C & Heater Control, Console, Rear Window Defogger, Ashtray Light, Radio, Rear Wiper & Washer, Electronic Dimming Unit, Gear Selector & Cigar Lighter Lights
14. 13 - 5 Amp (Tan) - BRAKE Warning, Oil Pressure, Low Fuel & Seat Belt Warning Lights, Trunk & Liftgate Ajar Lights, Gauges, Seat Belt Warning Buzzer, Chimes, Speed Control, Light Bar, Electronic Cluster
15. 14 - Empty
16. 15 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Trunk, Cargo, Vanity Mirror, Reading, Door Courtesy, Glove Box, Overhead Console, Ignition Switch & Underpanel Courtesy Lights, Ignition Switch Time Relay Delay, Illuminated Entry Relay, Power Mirrors, Auto Load Leveling, Electronic Memory
17. 16 - 20 Amp (Yellow) - Right & Left Spotlight
18. 17 - Relay - Hazard Warning Flasher
19. 18 - Relay - Time Delay
20. 19 - Relay - Horn
21. 20 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker)