
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the“H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. If you decide to look under the hood your-
self, refer to Section 7 of this manual. Follow the
warnings under“Cooling System Pressure Cap.”
14. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display shows
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) mes-
sages. Refer to“Electronic Vehicle Information Center”
later in this section. (See page 187 for more information.)
15. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. The TOW/
HAUL button is located in the center of the
instrument panel (below the climate controls).
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
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
grounded, three wire extension cord.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.The engine block heater cord is located:
•3.7L/4.7L Engine—coiled and strapped to the engine
oil dipstick tube.
•5.7L Engine—bundled and fastened to the injector
harness.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenserfor any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the antifreeze/coolant will begin to drain from
the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING
SYSTEM IS HOT.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Engine Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved antifreeze/
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
antifreeze/coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000
miles before replacement. To prevent reducing this ex-
tended maintenance period, it is important that you use
the same antifreeze/coolant throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
antifreeze/coolant.
When adding antifreeze/coolant, a minimum solution of
50% recommended MoparAntifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology), 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/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 recovery tank.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 andchildren, do not store ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the antifreeze/coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warm to normal operating
temperature, the level of the antifreeze/coolant in the
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
not need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
antifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing antifreeze/
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

Schedule“B”
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Heavy loading
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in“Maintenance Schedule B.”
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
“Schedule B”of the“Maintenance Schedules”section of
this manual.
SCHEDULE“B”399
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............181,269
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 171
Adjustable Pedals....................... 146
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 358
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 359
Air Conditioning........................ 233
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 237
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 360
Air Conditioning System.................. 233
Air Filter.............................. 358
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 288
Airbag................................ 41
Airbag Deployment....................... 53
Airbag Light.......................56,70,181
Airbag Maintenance....................... 55
Alarm (Security Alarm).................24,182
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 24
Alignment and Balance................... 293
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 392
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............131,269
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 181
Anti-Theft System.....................24,182
Appearance Care........................ 376
Auto Down Power Windows................ 29
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 79
Automatic Door Locks..................... 19
Automatic Headlights.................... 122
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 238
Automatic Transmission................254,371
Adding Fluid......................... 373
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 371
Fluid Level Check...................... 372
Fluid Type........................... 371
Special Additives...................... 374
Torque Converter...................... 260
Autostick............................. 256
424 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 392
Fluid Leaks............................. 71
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission...............371,372
Engine Oil........................... 351
Power Steering........................ 360
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 393
Fog Light Service........................ 389
Fog Lights.......................125,186,389
Folding Rear Seat........................ 111
Four Wheel Drive....................... 262
Operation........................... 262
Systems............................. 262
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 262
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 328
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 261
Front Axle (Differential)................... 375
Fuel................................. 302
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 306Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 306
Gasoline............................ 302
Gauge.............................. 186
Materials Added....................... 304
Octane Rating........................ 302
Requirements......................... 392
Tank Capacity........................ 392
Fuel System Caution...................304,307
Fuses................................ 380
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 152
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............306,347
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 302
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 303
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 303
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 184
Fuel................................ 186
Speedometer......................... 180
INDEX 429
10