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 Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
antifreeze/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
HOAT 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 ground
spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant recovery 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
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
antifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Ad-
vise 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 335
7
When additional antifreeze/coolant is needed to main-
tain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
recovery bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water 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 antifreeze/coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent antifreeze/coolant additions are required,
or if the level in the recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant/anti-freeze concentration to
50% HOAT engine coolant/anti-freeze (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. Also, if your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the
front of the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling 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, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 20.5 Gallons 78 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
2.8 Liter Diesel Engine (SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil) 6.4 Qts 6.1 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula) 14 Qts 13.2 Liters
2.8 Liter Diesel Engine (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) 13 Qts 12.5 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Caution, Exhaust Gas................... 72,147
CD (Compact Disc) Changer .............189,199
CD (Compact Disc) Player .........185,187,191,194
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 207
Cellular Phone ........................ 83,207
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 361
Chains, Tire ............................ 274
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 302
Charging System Light .................... 175
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 254
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 317
Child Restraint ...................... 61,66,69
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............65,66
Child Safety Locks ........................ 21
Climate Control ......................... 208
Clock ................................ 183
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System ........217,226
Command-Trac Operation .................. 234
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 207 Compass
.............................. 143
Compass Calibration ..................... 143
Compass Variance ....................... 144
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 141
Console, Overhead ....................... 135
Contract, Service ........................ 396
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 324
Cool Down, Turbo ....................... 220
Cooling System ......................... 332
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 334
Coolant Capacity ...................... 362
Coolant Level ......................... 335
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 335
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 332
Inspection ........................... 332
Points to Remember .................... 336
Pressure Cap ......................... 334
Radiator Cap ......................... 334
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........333,362
404 INDEX
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 129
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 180
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 137
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 233
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 300
Jacking ............................. 302
Jump Starting ......................... 307
Tow Hooks .......................... 309
Emission Control System Maintenance ......317,366
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 326
Block Heater ......................... 223
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 319
Compartment ......................... 314
Compartment Identification ............... 314
Cooling ............................. 332
Exhaust Gas Caution .................... 279 Fails to Start
.......................... 218
Flooded, Starting ...................... 218
Fuel Requirements .................. 276,362
Jump Starting ......................... 307
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 174
Oil .............................. 319,362
Oil Change Interval .................... 320
Oil Disposal .......................... 323
Oil Filter ............................ 323
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 323
Oil Selection .................... 321,322,362
Oil Synthetic ......................... 322
Overheating .......................... 301
Starting ............................. 217
Temperature Gauge ..................... 176
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 321,322
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ..............321,322
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 17
406 INDEX
Sizes............................... 254
Spare Tire ........................... 303
Spinning ............................ 264
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 265
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 287
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 232
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 309
Towing ............................ 282,310
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 310
Guide .............................. 285
Recreational .......................... 294
Weight .............................. 285
Trac-Lok Rear Axle ...................... 243
Traction Control ......................... 126
Traction Control Light .................... 182
Trailer Towing .......................... 282
Cooling System Tips .................... 294
Hitches ............................. 285
Minimum Requirements ................. 288 Trailer and Tongue Weight
................ 287
Wiring .............................. 291
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 285
Trailer Weight .......................... 285
Transfer Case ........................ 234,342
Four-Wheel-Drive Operation .............. 234
Maintenance .......................... 342
Transmission Automatic ........................ 227,340
Maintenance ....................... 340,342
Manual ............................. 224
Shifting ............................. 224
Warning Light ........................ 177
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 27
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) . . 145
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . 25
Transporting Pets ........................ 71
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 265
Trip Odometer .......................... 176
418 INDEX