
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.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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
7

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 theground. 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.
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with 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 coolant 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•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.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Selection Of Lubricant...............239,257
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 240
Autostick............................. 176
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 80
Ball Joints............................ 228
Battery............................... 224
Emergency Starting.................... 205
Gas Caution......................207,225
Heater............................. 148
Jump Starting........................ 205
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................205,224
Belts, Drive........................... 222
Belts, Engine.......................... 224
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 228
B-Pillar Location....................... 163
Brake, Parking......................... 153
Brake System.......................155,236
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 155
Fluid Check......................... 237
Hoses.............................. 236Master Cylinder...................... 237
Warning Light........................ 92
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........149,151
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................249,251
Bulbs, Light........................... 248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 255
Capacities, Fluid....................... 255
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 183
Oil (Engine)......................... 221
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 233
Car Washes........................... 241
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180
Carpeting............................. 243
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 127
Cassette Tape Player................99,108,110
Catalytic Converter..................... 223
CD (Compact Disc) Changer......106,111,116,119
CD (Compact Disc) Player.......104,113,115,126
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 253
Central Locking......................... 15
INDEX 287
10

Chains, Tire........................... 175
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 200
Charging System Light................... 89
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 160
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 216
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 46
Child Restraint...................38,41,42,44
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 42
Child Safety Locks....................... 17
Cigar Lighter........................... 97
Circuit Breakers.....................245,246
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 178
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 244
Headlights.......................... 244
Instrument Panel..................... 244
WoodTrim .......................... 244
Climate Control........................ 129
Clock................................. 97
Coin Holder........................... 52
Compact Disc (CD) Changer............... 119
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 127Compact Disc (CD) Player..............99,104
Compact Spare Tire..................... 170
Compass.............................. 94
Compass Calibration..................... 95
Console............................... 52
Console, Floor.......................... 52
Contract, Service....................... 280
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 233
Cooling System........................ 231
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 233
Coolant Capacity..................... 255
Coolant Level.....................232,234
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 234
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 232
Inspection........................... 232
Points to Remember................... 235
Pressure Cap........................ 233
Radiator Cap........................ 233
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 235
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....232,255,256
Corrosion Protection.................... 241
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 224
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 70
288 INDEX

Filter Disposal....................... 221
Identification Logo.................... 220
Materials Added to.................... 221
Pressure Gauge....................... 92
Quality............................. 220
Recommendation..................220,255
Synthetic........................... 221
Viscosity.........................221,255
Onboard Diagnostic System............215,216
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .......... 73
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overdrive............................ 152
Overheating, Engine..................... 198
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,281
Paint Care............................ 241
Paint Damage......................... 241
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 153
Parking On Hill........................ 154
Passing Light........................... 66
Pets.................................. 45
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 163Power
Brakes............................. 155
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 80
Seats............................... 58
Steering............................ 157
Steering, Checking.................... 227
Sunroof............................. 78
Windows............................ 24
Power Steering Fluid.................... 257
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 31
Preparation for Jacking................... 200
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 30
Programmable Electronic Features.........73,77
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............19,73,77
Radial Ply Tires........................ 170
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 233
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 98
Radio Operation...............108,113,126,128
Radio Remote Controls.................. 125
INDEX 295
10