Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) coolant that allows extended mainte-
nance intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be
used up to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze).
When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F
(37°C) are anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be be-
tween the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (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 mayresult in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19 Gallons 72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 Quarts 6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula) or equivalent15.2 Quarts 14.4 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
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C
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S
C
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E
D
U
L
E
S
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 220
Connector
UCI ................................ 276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 276
Console, Floor.......................... 194
Console, Overhead....................... 180
Contract, Service........................ 463
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 414
Cooling System......................... 411
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 413
Coolant Capacity...................... 438
Coolant Level...................... 411,415
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 414
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 412
Inspection........................... 415
Points to Remember.................... 415
Pressure Cap......................... 414
Radiator Cap......................... 414
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......412,438,439Corrosion Protection..................... 419
Cruise Control (Speed Control)...........148,152
Cruise Light........................... 205
Cupholders.........................193,424
Customer Assistance..................... 461
Customer Programmable Features............ 230
Data Recorder, Event...................... 64
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 141
Daytime Running Lights................... 137
Dealer Service.......................... 399
Deck Lid, Emergency Release................ 40
Deck Lid, Power Release................... 39
Defroster, Rear Window................... 197
Defroster, Windshield...................78,298
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 142
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 396
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 139
INDEX 473
10
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 390
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 414
Engine Oil........................... 402
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 181
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 323
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 324
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 288
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 197
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 190Electronic Brake Control System............. 332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 333
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 214
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 389
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jump Starting......................... 385
Overheating.......................... 379
Towing............................. 390
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......397,442
Engine............................... 395
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................... 400
474 INDEX