Page 382 of 467

Coolant Checks
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 the front of the A/C condenser for 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 coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
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
234ÉF (237ÉC ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7
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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.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº 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.
²Do 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
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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²Check 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.
²If 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.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do 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 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
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15 Gallons 56.7 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 Liter Engines (Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil). 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Miles Formula), or equivalent.6.5 qts 6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 452 of 467

Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 113
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............242,250
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 268
Cellular Phone.......................134,268
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 409
Chains, Tire............................ 319
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 344
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 303
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 365
Child Restraint.......................71,104
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............75,108
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 74
Child Safety Locks........................ 22
Child Seat...........................77,110
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 322
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 395
Climate Control......................... 269Clock...........................240,244,252
Clutch............................... 388
Clutch Fluid........................... 388
Coin Holder........................... 205
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 268
Compact Spare Tire...................... 314
Compass.............................. 239
Compass Calibration..................... 239
Compass Variance....................... 238
Console.............................. 205
Contract, Service........................ 442
Convertible............................ 119
Convertible Boot.....................124,128
Convertible Top......................... 119
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 398
Convertible Top Manual Override.........130,356
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 282
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................410,411
Cooling System......................... 381
452 INDEX
Page 454 of 467

Electrical Power Outlets................... 202
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 190
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 231
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 42
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 344
Jump Starting......................... 350
Towing............................. 354
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......365,414
Engine............................362,363
Break-In Recommendations............... 112
Checking Oil Level..................... 368
Cooling............................. 381
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 321
Jump Starting......................... 350
Oil ...........................368,410,411
Oil Change Interval.................... 369Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
Oil Filter............................ 411
Oil Selection.......................... 370
Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 342
Temperature Gauge..................... 224
Timing Belt.......................... 374
Event Data Recorder...................68,102
Exhaust Gas Caution.........38,39,113,325,380,381
Exhaust System......................... 380
Fabric Care............................ 396
Filler Location Fuel...................... 224
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 375
Engine Fuel.......................... 374
Engine Oil........................371,411
Flashers.............................. 342
Hazard Warning....................... 342
454 INDEX
Page 465 of 467

Weight.............................. 332
Traction.............................. 352
Traction Control......................... 300
Traction Control Switch................... 300
Trailer Towing.......................... 328
Cooling System Tips.................... 340
Hitches............................. 331
Minimum Requirements................. 334
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 333
Wiring.............................. 338
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 332
Trailer Weight.......................... 332
Transaxle............................. 283
Automatic....................13,280,283,390
Autostick............................ 288
Manual........................14,281,290
Operation........................... 283
Overdrive........................... 287
Selection of Lubricant................... 390Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 225
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)..................28,34
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 193
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry)..................26,33
Transporting Pets......................79,112
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 316
Trip Odometer.......................... 225
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 230
Trunk Lid, Deck Lid (Convertible)............. 39
Tumbling Rear Seat (Convertible)............ 172
Tumbling Rear Seat (Sedan)................ 170
Turbo Cool Down....................... 282
Turn Signals.........................184,226
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone)............. 134
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 220
INDEX 465
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