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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 —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 temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines,
shown on the bottle.6 Cylinder Engines —the level of the coolant in the
pressurized coolant bottle should be between the
“COLD” and “FULL” 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
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
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Page 431 of 494
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Engine U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
All FWD Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 gallons 64 liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.4 gallons 69.7 liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 quarts 4.26 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 quarts 5.2 liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.7.7 quarts 7.3 liters
2.7 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.9.8 quarts 9.3 liters
3.5 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/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 429
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine CoolantMoparAntifreeze/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) Mopar04884900AB or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L & 3.5L) Mopar04884899AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs (2.4L - EXCEPT PZEV*) ZFR5F-11 (Gap.043 in [1.11 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.4L— with PZEV ZFR5AP (Gap.031 in [0.8 mm])
Spark Plugs (2.7L) RE14PMC5 (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (3.5L) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (2.4L & 2.7L) 87 Octane
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil if
it has been six months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after
completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil
change is performed by someone other than your dealer,
the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Oil Change Required” under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this manual or
under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under “Instrument
Cluster Descriptions” in Section 3 of this manual.
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 SAFE or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check 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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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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
438 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 282
Accessory Delay, Power.................... 13
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 396
Adding Fuel........................... 332
Adding Washer Fluid..................140,393
Additives, Fuel......................... 326
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 385
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 388
Air Conditioning........................ 243
Air Conditioning Controls................. 243
Air Conditioning Filter.................256,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 257
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............388,389
Air Conditioning System.............243,248,388
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 304
Airbag.............................. 52,61
Airbag Deployment....................... 62
Airbag Light................... 53,60,65,79,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64Airbag, Side........................ 54,59,61
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 55,59,61
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 18,173
Alignment and Balance................... 312
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 235
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........395,396,429
Disposal............................ 398
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 282
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 282
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 406
Ashtray............................... 156
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Audio Systems (Radio).................222,225
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows................ 36,153
452 INDEX
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Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 78
Bulb Replacement.....................417,418
Bulbs,Light ............................ 417
Calibration, Compass..................... 188
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 20
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 332
Oil (Engine)..................374,375,376,383
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 397
Car Washes............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 327
Cargo Area Features...................... 162
Cargo Compartment...................... 162
Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 162
Catalytic Converter...................... 385
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 78CD (Compact Disc) Player...............222,225
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 242
Cellular Phone.................. 89,225,227,242
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Chains, Tire............................ 312
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 296
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 378
Child Restraint.................... 67,69,73,76
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 71,73
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Cigar Lighter........................... 156
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 324
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 408
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 392
Climate Control......................... 243
Clock .....................193,196,208,224,227
454 INDEX