
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is controlled
by both the temperature of the engine cooling
system and the pressure in the air conditioning
system and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any accumu-
lation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34°F (37°C ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
7

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 coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System 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 recovery bottle.
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 pre-
caution. Never add 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
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. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills 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 level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant 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 (a
few kilometers) 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 accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
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 recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7

License Plate Bulb Replacement
1. Locate both small slots on the outboard side of the
license lamp. Using a small screwdriver, remove the
entire housing.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace
the bulb and snap it back into place on the housing of the
chrome appliqué.
Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if carrying an
excessive amount of weight in the trunk, rear seats or
pulling a trailer. To readjust the headlights first mark the
position of the headlights on a wall prior to loading the
vehicle. Load the vehicle and then readjust the headlights
to the original position. If any further adjustments are
necessary contact your manufacturer’s dealer. A detailed
service procedure is contained in the manufacturer’s
Service Manual. Information on purchasing a Service
Manual can be found at the back of this Owner’s Manual.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
2.4 and 2.7 Liter Engines (87 Oc-
tane)16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 and 2.7 Liter Engines (Refer
to the engine oil fill cap for the
correct SAE grade)5 qts. 4.7 Li-
ters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.8 qts. 7.5 Li-
ters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.9.5 qts. 9.0 Li-
ters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7

Changing A Flat Tire.................... 199
Charging System Light................... 90
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 160
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 216
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 43
Child Restraint...................34,36,39,40
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 39
Cigar Lighter........................... 99
Circuit Breakers........................ 248
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 178
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 245
Headlights.......................... 244
Instrument Panel..................... 245
WoodTrim .......................... 245
Climate Control........................ 129
Clock................................. 99
Coin Holder........................... 55
Compact Disc (CD) Changer.............. 120
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 128
Compact Disc (CD) Player.............100,105
Compact Spare Tire..................... 170Compass.............................. 95
Compass Calibration..................... 96
Console............................... 55
Console, Floor.......................... 55
Contract, Service....................... 282
Convertible............................ 47
Convertible Boot........................ 50
Convertible Top......................... 47
Convertible Top Maintenance.............. 246
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 234
Cooling System........................ 232
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 233
Coolant Capacity..................... 257
Coolant Level.....................232,235
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 234
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 232
Inspection........................... 232
Points to Remember................... 235
Pressure Cap........................ 234
Radiator Cap........................ 234
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 236
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....233,257,258
Corrosion Protection.................... 241
290 INDEX

Cooling............................ 232
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180
Fails to Start......................... 148
Fuel Requirements.................178,257
Oil ..........................218,257,258
Oil Change Interval................... 219
Oil Selection......................220,257
Oil Synthetic......................... 221
Overheating......................... 198
Timing Belt.......................... 224
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 257
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Exhaust Gas Caution...............43,180,231
Exhaust System........................ 231
Exterior Light Service.................... 251
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 222
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Engine Fuel......................... 223
Engine Oil.......................221,258
Engine Oil Disposal................... 221Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 198
Turn Signal.......................... 90
Flash-To-Pass........................... 69
Flat Tire Changing...................... 199
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 182
Engine Oil.......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................181,182
Maintenance......................... 183
Replacement Parts.................... 183
Starting............................ 182
Floor Console.......................... 55
Fluid, Brake........................... 259
Fluid Capacities........................ 257
Fluid Leaks............................ 44
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Capacities........................... 257
Cooling System....................... 232
Engine Oil.......................... 218
Power Steering....................... 227
Fluids............................... 258
292 INDEX

General Information................... 167
High Speed......................... 169
Inflation Pressures.................... 168
Jacking............................. 200
Life of Tires......................... 173
Load Capacity....................163,164
Quality Grading...................... 284
Radial............................. 170
Replacement......................... 173
Rotation............................ 175
Safety...........................158,167
Sizes............................... 160
Snow Tires.......................... 175
Spinning............................ 171
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 172
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 189
Top Cover............................. 50
Towing.........................185,208,209
Disabled Vehicle...................... 208
Guide.............................. 188
Weight............................. 188
Traction Control....................71,89,157
Traction Control Switch................71,157Trailer Towing......................... 185
Cooling System Tips................... 195
Hitches............................. 187
Minimum Requirements................ 190
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 189
Wiring............................. 193
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 188
Trailer Weight......................... 188
Transaxle............................. 239
Additives........................... 241
Automatic.....................149,151,239
Autostick........................... 176
Filter.............................. 240
Overdrive........................... 152
Selection of Lubricant.................. 239
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 92
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).75
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 15
Transporting Pets........................ 42
300 INDEX