Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below34°F(37°C) are anticipated.
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.
Coolant 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 reserve tank.
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 precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated 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.
CAUTION!
Be sure to use only the cooling system pressure cap
specified for your vehicle. Use of any other pressure
cap may result in decreased engine cooling system
performance and/or damage to your vehicle.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the coolant level should be between
the“MIN”and“MAX”marks on the side of the coolant
bottle. Some darkening of the coolant bottle will occur
over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to
see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, thecoolant bottle need only be checked once a month. Heater
performance may also be adversely affected by low
coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles 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 accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
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 bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
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 cooling 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, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
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.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, 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 linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 82
Ball Joints............................ 216
Battery............................... 213
Emergency Starting.................... 193
Gas Caution......................195,214
Heater............................. 146
Jump Starting........................ 193
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 19
Location.........................193,213
Belts, Drive........................... 210
Belts, Engine.......................... 212
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 216
Boot, Convertible Top.................... 52
B-Pillar Location....................... 160
Brake, Parking......................... 151
Brake System.......................153,224
Anti-Lock........................... 153
Fluid Check......................... 226
Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder...................... 226
Warning Light........................ 95
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........147,149Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 43
Bulb Replacement...................... 240
Bulbs, Light........................... 239
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 246
Capacities, Fluid....................... 246
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 179
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 177
Oil (Engine)......................... 209
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 222
Car Washes........................... 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 177
Carpeting............................. 232
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 126
Cassette Tape Player...............102,110,113
Catalytic Converter..................... 211
CD Changer..................109,114,119,121
CD Player....................107,115,117,125
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 244
Central Locking......................... 14
Chains, Tire........................... 171
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 188
INDEX 279
10
Charging System Light................... 92
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 157
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)........................ 204
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 44
Child Restraint...................35,38,40,41
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 40
Cigar Lighter.......................... 100
Circuit Breakers.....................236,237
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 175
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 233
Headlights.......................... 233
Instrument Panel..................... 233
WoodTrim .......................... 233
Climate Control........................ 128
Clock................................ 100
Coin Holder........................... 57
Compact Disc Changer................... 121
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 126
Compact Disc Player.................102,107
Compact Spare Tire..................... 167
Compass.............................. 97Compass Calibration..................... 98
Console............................... 57
Console, Floor.......................... 57
Contract, Service....................... 270
Convertible............................ 49
Convertible Boot........................ 52
Convertible Top......................... 49
Convertible Top Maintenance.............. 234
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 222
Cooling System........................ 220
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 222
Coolant Capacity..................... 246
Coolant Level.....................220,223
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 223
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 221
Inspection........................... 220
Points to Remember................... 223
Pressure Cap........................ 222
Radiator Cap........................ 222
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 224
Selection of Coolant.............221,246,247
Corrosion Protection.................... 229
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 213
280 INDEX
Parking Brake......................... 151
Parking On Hill........................ 152
Passing Light........................... 71
Pets.................................. 43
Pets, Transporting....................... 43
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 161
Power
Brakes............................. 153
Distribution Center.................... 236
Door Locks.......................... 13
Outlet.............................. 82
Seats............................... 63
Steering............................ 155
Steering, Checking.................... 215
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 248
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Preparation for Jacking................... 188
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 27
Programmable Electronic Features.........78,81
Programming Transmitters............18,78,81Radial Ply Tires........................ 167
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 222
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 101
Radio Operation............... 110,115,125,127
Radio Remote Controls.................. 124
Radio (Sound Systems).............102,110,115
Rear Window Defroster.................. 137
Rearview Mirrors........................ 58
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 247
Reformulated Gasoline................... 175
Refrigerant............................ 215
Reminder, Lights On..................... 70
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 28
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 16
Remote Sound System Controls............ 124
Remote Trunk Release.................... 21
Replacement Tires...................... 170
Reporting Safety Defects................. 272
Restraint, Head......................... 65
Restraints, Child........................ 35
Restraints, Occupant..................... 23
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 197
INDEX 287
10