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 ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
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 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 coolant. Check the front
of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or radiator for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core.
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 or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
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 intervals.
Selection of Engine 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.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 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
coolant, and to ensure 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.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. 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 or 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.
Engine Coolant Level
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 tempera-
ture, 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
coolant freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427
7
Brakes............................... 429
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 295
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 80
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 148
Bulb Replacement ..................... 446,447
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,446
Calibration, Compass ..................... 221
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 450
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 370
Oil (Engine) .......................... 415
Power Steering ........................ 319
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 426
Car Washes ............................ 435
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............81,369
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 190
Cargo Area Features ...................... 186
Cargo Compartment ...................... 186 Light
............................... 148
Cargo Light ............................ 148
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 186
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 188
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 371
Cellular Phone .......................... 94
Certification Label ....................... 371
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 395
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 339
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............204,411
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 81
Checks, Safety ........................... 81
Child Restraint .................... 71,72,76,78
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 366
Cleaning Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 420
482 INDEX
Climate Control......................... 274
Clock ........................ 229,243,246,255
Coin Holder ........................... 185
Cold Weather Operation ................... 291
Command-Trac Operation .................. 302
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 350
Compass .............................. 221
Compass Calibration ..................... 221
Compass Variance ....................... 222
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 219
Console .............................. 185
Console, Floor .......................... 185
Contract, Service ........................ 473
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 426
Cooling System ......................... 423
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 425
Coolant Capacity ...................... 450
Coolant Level ...................... 423,427Disposal of Used Coolant
................ 427
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 424
Inspection ........................... 427
Points to Remember .................... 428
Pressure Cap ......................... 426
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......424,450,451
Corrosion Protection ..................... 435
Cruise Light ........................... 213
Cupholders ............................ 184
Customer Assistance ..................... 471
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 149
Daytime Running Lights ................... 144
Dealer Service .......................... 412
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 193
Defroster, Windshield ................83,276,281
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 150
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 410
Dimmer Control ........................ 148
INDEX 483
10
Steering.......................... 318,319
Sunroof ............................. 171
Sunroof (Sky Slider) ................. 174,433
Windows ............................. 35
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 452
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 52
Preparation for Jacking .................... 397
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................ 49
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 223
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 20
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 349
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 426
Radio Remote Controls .................... 271
Radio, Satellite (uconnect studios)........... 266
Rain Sensitive Wiper System ................ 152
Rear Axle (Differential) .................... 432 Rear Park Sense System
................... 158
Rear Seat, Folding ....................... 133
Rear Window Defroster ................... 193
Rear Window Features .................... 192
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 192
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 90
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 128
Recreational Towing ...................... 389
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 366
Refrigerant ............................ 419
Release, Hood .......................... 140
Reminder, Lights On ..................... 145
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 49
Remote Control Starting System ........................ 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 271
Remote Starting System .................... 27
Replacement Bulbs ....................... 446
494 INDEX