Page 378 of 454

²Use 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.
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 scald-
ing 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 en-
gine damage may result.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 379 of 454

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,
do not store ethylene glycol based engine 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 immediately.
Coolant Level
4 Cylinder Engines Ðthe coolant bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant level is
adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the ªADDº and ªFULLº lines,
shown on the bottle.6 Cylinder Engines Ðthe level of the coolant in the
pressurized coolant bottle should be between the
ªCOLDº and ªFULLº range on the bottle when the
engine is cold.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
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Page 380 of 454

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.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
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.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 409 of 454
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
EngineU.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
All Engines 16.9 gallons 64 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 quarts 4.26 liters
2.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
3.5L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
Cooling System *
2.4L Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.7.7 quarts. 7.3 liters
2.7L Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.9.8 quarts. 9.3 liters
3.5L Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.11.6 quarts. 11.0 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
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Page 410 of 454
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine CoolantMopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (2.4L & 2.7L)Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 is recommended. Refer to the en-
gine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Mate-
rial Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil (3.5L)Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Refer to the
engine oil viscosity chart for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter (2.4L) Mopart04884900AB or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L & 3.5L) Mopart04884899AB or equivalent.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 416 of 454
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed.
NOTE:Six speed AutoSticktTransaxle Ð if equipped is
sealed, therefore checking the fluid level can only be
done by a certified dealership service center.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 418 of 454
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L engines (except
PZEV* engine).30,000 50 000 30
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump belt ten-
sion on 2.4L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4L engines, and replace
if necessary.30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using
your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 100,000 160 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L PZEV*, 2.7L and
3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the power steering pump belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the generator belt on 2.4L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 432 of 454

About Your Brakes....................264,267
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 268
Accessory Delay, Power.................... 12
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 377
Adding Fuel........................... 316
Adding Washer Fluid..................149,374
Additives, Fuel......................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 365
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 369
Air Conditioning........................ 232
Air Conditioning Controls................. 232
Air Conditioning Filter.................244,370
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 245
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............369,370
Air Conditioning System.............232,237,369
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 289
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment...................52,53,56
Airbag Light...................52,53,59,75,177Airbag Maintenance....................... 58
Alarm, Panic............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............18,177
Alignment and Balance................... 297
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 226
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........376,377,409
Disposal............................ 379
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 268
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............268,269
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 387
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Ashtray............................... 163
Audio Systems (Radio).................213,217
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 34
432 INDEX