2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE radiator cap

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System — Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty and contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance interval.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34°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.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7

WARNING!
•The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precau-
tion. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals and children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between 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
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be periodically inspected.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance interval.
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.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark, because leakage may occur at the cap.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Torque Converter...................... 294
Autostick............................. 290
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 163
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 163
Battery............................... 418
Emergency Starting..................... 398
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 135
Belts, Seat............................37,70
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 420
B-Pillar Location........................ 331
Brake Assist System...................... 313
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 312
Brake Fluid............................ 430
Brake System........................... 430
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................309,312
Fluid Check.......................... 430
Master Cylinder....................... 430Parking............................. 308
Warning Light........................ 184
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 287
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement.....................449,450
Bulbs, Light............................ 71
Calibration, Compass..................... 201
Camera, Rear........................... 151
Capacities, Fluid........................ 456
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 364
Power Steering........................ 307
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 427
Car Washes............................ 437
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............69,359
Cargo Area Cover....................... 168
Cargo Area Features...................... 167
Cargo Compartment...................... 167
INDEX 499
10

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 425
Inspection........................... 424
Points to Remember.................... 429
Pressure Cap......................... 427
Radiator Cap......................... 427
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........425,456
Cruise Light........................... 191
Cupholders............................ 167
Customer Assistance..................... 489
Data Recorder, Event...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights................... 133
Dealer Service.......................... 413
Defroster, Rear Window................... 173
Defroster, Windshield................71,263,269
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 410
Diesel Fuel............................ 360
Diesel Fuel Requirements.................. 360
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 137Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 434
Oil (Engine).......................... 414
Power Steering........................ 307
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 401
Disarming, Theft System................... 21
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 417
Used Engine Fluids.................... 417
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage..................... 154
Driving............................... 301
Off-Pavement......................... 302
Off-Road............................ 302
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 257
E-85 Fuel............................. 361
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 80
INDEX 501
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