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Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze (coolant) solu-
tion. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
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.
NOTE:Mixing antifreeze/coolant types will decrease
the life of the antifreeze/coolant and will require more
frequent antifreeze/coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
antifreeze/coolant, and to insure that antifreeze/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 antifreeze/coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated 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.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 269
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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.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
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, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 273 of 352
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 warning light 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. Brake fluid level
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 273
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should be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Do not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin-
ish.
Interior Care
Use MoparFabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Use MoparVinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl or leather
upholstery.
MoparVinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
interior vinyl trim.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Carpet
Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent a soil build-up.
Shampoo soiled carpet with a reliable upholstery cleaner,
using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush. After carpet
dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283
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WARNING!
Only remove the carpet for cleaning purposes. It
provides insulation against high floor pan tempera-
tures. You or your passengers could be burned if the
carpet is not properly in place. Always put the carpet
back into the vehicle before driving.
Follow These Steps To Remove The Carpet:
1. Unsnap the front and rear floor carpets. A snap is
located on the outboard side of each front seat.
2. Remove the attachment cap from the front footwell
area on both the driver and passenger side. The cap is
removed by pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the front and rear floor carpets.
4. Remove the cargo floor and wheelhouse carpets.NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with an Add-A-
Trunk™ it must be removed to be able to remove the
cargo floor and wheelhouse carpets. For Add-A-Trunk™
removal procedure, refer to “Storage” in Section 3 of this
manual.
Follow These Steps To Replace The Carpet:
1. Place the front floor carpets in the vehicle.
2. Attach the carpet to the studs in the footwell and press
on the attachment caps to secure the carpet.
3. Place rear floor carpet in vehicle and snap rear carpet
to front floor carpet.
4. Install wheelhouse carpet followed by the cargo floor
carpet.
5. Reinstall Add-A-Trunk™ if so equipped.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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About Your Brakes....................... 198
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............147,200
Add-A-Trunk........................... 72
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 138
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 260
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 262
Air Conditioning........................ 171
Air Conditioning Controls................. 172
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 174
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 263
Air Filter.............................. 260
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 216
Airbag................................ 27
Airbag Deployment....................... 31
Airbag Light.........................33,145
Airbag Maintenance....................... 33
Alignment and Balance................... 220
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 167Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 295
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 200
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 147
Appearance Care........................ 279
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 50
Automatic Transmission................184,274
Adding Fluid......................... 276
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 274
Fluid Level Check...................... 275
Fluid Type........................... 274
Gear Ranges.......................... 185
Shifting............................. 184
Special Additives...................... 276
Torque Converter...................... 190
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet.................. 69
Auxiliary Power Outlet.................... 69
Battery............................... 261
Emergency Starting..................... 242
332 INDEX
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Voltmeter............................ 143
Belts, Drive............................ 257
Belts, Seat.............................. 20
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 264
B-Pillar Location........................ 211
Brake System........................... 272
Anti-Lock........................... 200
Hoses.............................. 272
Master Cylinder....................... 273
Parking............................. 196
Warning Light........................ 147
Brakes............................... 198
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 185
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 44
Bulb Replacement.....................290,291
Calibration, Compass...................... 52
Capacities, Fluid........................ 295Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 226
Power Steering........................ 263
Car Washes............................ 280
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 225
Carpeting............................. 283
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 167
Catalytic Converter...................... 258
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 44
CD Changer........................... 154
CD Player....................150,152,156,159
CD Player Maintenance................... 168
Cellular Phone.......................... 169
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 294
Chains, Tire............................ 221
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 238
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 208
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)...........145,251
INDEX 333
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