The way I did it in mine was to just replace the canister fluid. Ran few miles then replaced it again. It's too much of a hassle to completely drain it and I do not know if the Crd was meant to have a drain plug. I do know the manual mentions that fluid color is not an indicator that it needs replacement. Best way to protect it is to insert a magnetic filter on the return hose. Filter mag are one of the best but it's a one use filter and not serviceable. I also need to find time to install the filter, which I already have (a Napa serviceable unit, it has a net with a magnet ring, let me know if you need a part # to look it up).

Looking at this pic from the FSM, it seems that just suctioning some out of the resivoir with each oil change would be enough, I did not relize that the return went back towards the sump. I did suck some out and replaced it, but I thought it was futile and would only go down to the pump if needed.

I have seen some posts of sucking up the fluid in the reservoir with a large syringe such as a Turkey Baster, filling it up again to the correct level and repeating the process after a few miles driven.

So this is what I am in the process of doing on my 2002 Export CRD. The early 2002 KJs do not take ATF + fluid but Mopar steering fluid which is very light in color but turns medium brown with age and this fluid must not be mixed with ATF + fluid.

So I got the proper Mopar fluid....one litre...and am virtualy finished with this project...the fluid is becoming clearer all the time.

Problem with these 2002 KJs is that I have seen a Tech Notice from Chrysler that the original fluid should be drained and flushed/replaced with ATF + fluid on these early 2002 KJs so owners of these early 2002 KJs have to be very careful as to whether or not this has been done by a previous owner!

I am the original owner of this 2002, no Service Records show this flushing of the fluid and the color of the fluid is definitely not the red of ATF + fluid but the honey color of the Mopar Power Steering fluid so I am confidant that I am using the correct fluid!

Bill, I always used ATF in any power steering, in my 99 Cherokee I use dex3, Crd uses atf+4, other chryslers I had used whatever the transmission used, I believe that it's not that important what fluid is used as long as it can serve the purpose of being not too thick and not too thin... Regular gear oil should also work (if not subject to extreme heat). What I mean is you can't go wrong using atf+4 from now on. But neither using a good quality hydraulic oil.