INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading below the red area of the
gauge shows that the engine cooling system is
operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a
higher than normal temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go
traffic, or when towing a trailer.If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on theH(red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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
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
7
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
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
7
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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Cleaning
Wheels............................. 389
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 373
Climate Control......................... 232
Clock........................196,200,215,218
Coin Holder........................... 166
Cold Weather Operation................... 252
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 231
Compact Spare Tire...................... 292
Compass.............................. 191
Compass Calibration..................... 192
Compass Variance....................... 192
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 190
Connector
UCI ................................ 221
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 221
Console, Floor.......................... 166
Contract, Service........................ 425
Converter, Catalytic...................... 366Convertible............................. 81
Convertible Top.......................... 81
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 393
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 378
Cooler, Beverage Holder (Cup Holder)......... 164
Cooling System......................... 375
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 377
Coolant Capacity...................... 409
Coolant Level......................376,379
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 379
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 376
Inspection........................... 379
Points to Remember.................... 379
Pressure Cap......................... 378
Radiator Cap......................... 378
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........376,409
Corrosion Protection..................... 387
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 151
Cruise Light........................... 180
INDEX 435
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Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 98
Electrical Power Outlets................... 161
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 275
Electronic Stability Program............... 276
Traction Control System................. 274
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 151
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 276
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 187
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 38
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 348
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 336
Jacking............................. 338
Jump Starting......................... 344
Overheating.......................... 336
Towing............................. 349
Emergency Trunk Release................... 38
Emission Control System Maintenance......358,414Engine........................72,354,355,356
Air Cleaner.......................... 365
Block Heater......................... 255
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Checking Oil Level..................... 361
Compartment......................... 354
Coolant (Antifreeze).................376,410
Cooling............................. 375
Exhaust Gas Caution..................74,311
Fails to Start.......................... 253
Flooded, Starting...................... 253
Fuel Requirements..................... 307
Jump Starting......................... 344
Oil ...........................361,409,410
Oil Change Interval............179,189,362,414
Oil Filler Cap.................354,355,356,363
Oil Filter............................ 365
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 364
Oil Selection.......................363,409
INDEX 437
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