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 (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized 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 289
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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 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.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant 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
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7
4. Push the replacement bulb into the socket assembly.
5. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
6. Reattach the light to the rear fascia, and then install the
screws.FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal-
lons72 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts. 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.15.2 qts 14.4 li-
ters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
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•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule “B” in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule “B” in this
section.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A.”It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 319
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Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean, and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, 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 hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
320 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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S
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 211
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 289
Adding Fuel.......................... 249
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,106,285
Adjustable Pedals....................... 108
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 279
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 282
Air Conditioning Filter................189,283
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 190
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........282,283
Air Conditioning System..............183,282
Air Pressure, Tires...................141,230
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment.................... 42,44
Airbag Light.................... 43,46,58,137
Airbag Maintenance...................... 45
Airbag, Side........................... 43
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 38,43
Alarm (Security Alarm).................. 140
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 15
Alignment and Balance.................. 235
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 179
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........288,289,313
Disposal............................ 290
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......... 211,214
Anti-Lock Warning Light..............137,213
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 15
Anti-Theft System...................... 140
Appearance Care....................... 296
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Auto Up Power Windows................. 26
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................. 22,23
Automatic Headlights.................... 95
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 183
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives..................... 295
Automatic Transmission............203,294,295
Adding Fluid.....................295,315
Autostick ........................... 207
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 295
Fluid Change........................ 295
Fluid Level Check..................... 294
FluidType .......................... 315
346 INDEX
Check Engine Light
(MalfunctionIndicatorLight) .............. 273
Child Restraint................... 47,49,52,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors........... 50,52
Child Safety Locks....................... 23
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 246
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 297
Climate Control........................ 183
Clock ..........................157,160,171
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 182
Compass............................. 149
Compass Calibration.................... 149
Compass Variance...................... 149
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 147
Console.............................. 127
Console, Floor......................... 127
Console, Overhead...................... 115
Contract, Service....................... 340
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 289
Cooling System........................ 287
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 289
Coolant Capacity..................... 313Coolant Level.....................287,290
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 290
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 287
Inspection........................... 290
Points to Remember................... 290
Pressure Cap........................ 289
Radiator Cap........................ 289
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....288,313,314
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 109
CruiseLight ........................... 136
CupHolder ........................126,299
Customer Assistance.................... 338
Data Recorder, Event..................... 46
Daytime Running Lights.................. 98
Dealer Service......................... 274
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 191
Defroster, Windshield.................. 58,187
Delay(Intermittent)Wipers ............... 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 272
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 99
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 290
348 INDEX