CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The 3.7L/4.7L engine block heater cord is located at the
front of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
The 5.7L engine block heater cord is located on the left
side of the engine compartment and rearward of the
power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
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 face of radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently
spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core.Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tight-
ness of connection at coolant bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the coolant pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing prop-
erly, the coolant will begin to drain from the coolant
bottle. Do not remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system is hot.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
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. If you open
the hood and see steam or hot coolant escaping from
the radiator, don’t touch anything. Get away quickly.
Never try to open a pressure cap when the radiator is
hot.
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
section of this manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled. See your authorized dealer for
proper cooling system maintenance.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, it should be cleaned and flushed.
See your authorized dealer for proper draining, flushing
and refilling of your vehicle’s cooling system.
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 and
children. If ingested by a child contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
7
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.
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.WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure 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 pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap when the system is hot or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle system provides a quick visual method
for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With
the engine idling, and warmed to normal operating
temperature, remove the cap from the bottle, remove the
dipstick and wipe the excess coolant from it. Reinsert the
dipstick and remove. Observe the dipstick checking the
holes along the stem for coolant. Check the coolant level
whenever the hood is raised.The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the pressure cap except checking
coolant freeze point or replacement with new antifreeze
coolant. Your service attendant should be advised of this.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
A. Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
B. Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of
coolant bottle also must be protected against freezing.
C. If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant bottle does not drop when the engine
cools, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Ball Joints............................. 351
Battery............................... 348
Charging............................ 325
Emergency Starting..................... 325
Gas Caution.......................... 325
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 132
Belts, Drive............................ 345
Belts, Seat.............................. 37
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 351
B-Pillar Location........................ 269
Brake Assist System...................139,147
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 146
Brake Fluid............................ 387
Brake System........................260,360
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................146,260
Disc Brakes.......................... 360
Fluid Check.......................... 360
Hoses.............................. 361Master Cylinder....................... 360
Parking............................. 258
Warning Light.....................186,189
Brakes............................... 260
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 245
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 377
Bulbs, Light............................ 376
Calibration, Compass..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid........................ 385
Caps, Filler
Fuel.............................287,288
Oil (Engine).......................... 343
Power Steering........................ 350
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 354
Car Washes............................ 367
Carbon Monoxide Warning............75,163,290
Cargo Management System................. 176
INDEX 421
10
Points to Remember.................... 358
Radiator Cap......................... 357
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......356,385,386
Temperature Gauge..................... 183
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 142
Cup Holder............................ 173
Customer Assistance..................... 412
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 134
Dealer Service.......................... 340
Defroster, Rear Window................... 238
Defroster, Windshield................76,225,230
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 137
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 337
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 184
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 362
Oil (Engine).......................... 340Power Steering........................ 350
Disarming, Theft System................... 27
Disc Brakes............................ 360
Disposal
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 355
Door Ajar Light......................... 188
Door Locks............................. 15
Door Opener, Garage..................... 162
Drive Belts............................ 345
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 351
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 215
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 170
Electronic Brake Control System............. 146
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 142
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......139,150,189
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 264
INDEX 423
10
Sunroof............................. 168
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 387
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Preparation for Jacking.................... 321
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features.........163,167
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............24,163,167
Radial Ply Tires......................... 276
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 357
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio Operation...................193,200,222
Radio Reception........................ 191
Radio, Satellite.......................... 215
Radio (Sound Systems).................193,200
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 365Rear Liftgate............................ 29
Rear Window Defroster................... 238
Rear Window Features.................... 237
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 237
Rearview Mirrors........................ 84
Reception, Radio........................ 191
Reclining Front Seats..................... 112
Recorder, Event Data...................... 62
Recreational Towing...................... 308
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 309
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 311
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 286
Refrigerant............................ 350
Release, Hood.......................... 129
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 220
Remote Starting System.................... 28
Replacement Keys........................ 11
INDEX 431
10