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 reserve tank.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 or
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7
children, 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 coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, 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.When additional antifreeze/coolant is needed to main-
tain 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 of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot antifreeze/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 bottle.
•Check antifreeze/coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze/
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
coolant needs to be added, contents of coolant recov-
ery bottle must also be protected against freezing.
•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 antifreeze/coolant concentration at 50%
HOAT antifreeze/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 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, installONLY 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — 2 Door Models18.5 Gallons 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — 4 Door Models22.5 Gallons 85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.8 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified Engine Oil) 6 Quarts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.8 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)13 Quarts 12 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR 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, add as required.
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (If equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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)............204,296
Adding Fuel........................... 325
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 194
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 375
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 376
Air Conditioning.....................254,258
Air Conditioning Controls................. 258
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 258
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 377
Air Conditioning System.................. 258
Air Filter.............................. 375
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 309
Airbag................................ 47
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.........................62,204
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Airbag, Side............................ 58
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 315Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 248
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 412
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............107,296
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 204
Appearance Care........................ 393
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Transmission................... 388
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 388
Fluid Level Check...................... 388
Fluid Type........................... 388
Gear Ranges.......................... 276
Shifting............................. 275
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................... 280
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)....... 116
Auxiliary Power Outlet.................... 116
Axle Lock..........................285,286
450 INDEX
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............208,366
Child Restraint....................64,65,71,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Seat.............................. 69
Climate Control......................... 252
Clock...........................219,235,246
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 251
Compass.............................. 211
Compass Calibration..................... 213
Console............................... 118
Console, Floor.......................... 118
Contract, Service........................ 442
Converter, Catalytic...................... 373
Cooling System......................... 380
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 382
Coolant Capacity...................... 412
Coolant Level......................... 384
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 383Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 381
Inspection........................... 380
Points to Remember.................... 384
Pressure Cap......................... 383
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........381,412
Temperature Gauge..................... 205
Corrosion Protection..................... 393
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 375
Cruise Light........................... 205
Cup Holder............................ 117
Customer Assistance..................... 440
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 101
Dealer Service.......................... 368
Defroster, Rear Window................... 195
Defroster, Windshield...............253,255,256
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 101
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 365
452 INDEX
Turn Signal.....................203,410,411
Flooded Engine Starting................... 266
Fluid Capacities......................... 412
Fluid Level Checks...................... 392
Automatic Transmission................. 388
Engine Oil........................... 369
Manual Transmission................... 391
Power Steering........................ 377
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 413
Fog Light Service........................ 410
Fog Lights..........................100,410
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat.................. 90
Folding Rear Seat........................ 93
Folding Windshield...................... 187
Four Wheel Drive....................... 280
Shifting............................. 282
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 280
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 350
Front Axle (Differential)................... 392Fuel................................. 321
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 325
Filter............................... 375
Gasoline............................ 321
Gauge.............................. 202
Materials Added....................... 323
Octane Rating........................ 321
Requirements......................... 412
Tank Capacity........................ 412
Fuel System Caution................324,326,327
Fuses................................ 400
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............325,366
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 321
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 322
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 322
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 205
Fuel................................ 202
INDEX 455
10