•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (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 coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that engine coolant (antifreeze)
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 483
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 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, 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 cool-
ant. 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.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
•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 coolant 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485
•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.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
486 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines 19 Gallons72 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 7 Quarts6.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula or equivalent) 10 Quarts
9.5 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 14.5 Quarts 13.9 Liters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe Duty II Cooling System (MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 15 Quarts
14.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
510 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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
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S516 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
ConnectorUCI .............................. 327
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 327
Conserving Fuel ........................ 294
Console, Floor .......................... 265
Console, Overhead ....................... 245
Contract, Service ........................ 535
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 483
Cooling System ......................... 480
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 482
Coolant Capacity ..................... 510
Coolant Level .................... 481,484
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 484
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 481
Inspection .......................... 484
Points to Remember .................. 485
Pressure Cap ........................ 483
Radiator Cap ....................... 483
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....481,510,511 Corrosion Protection
..................... 491
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 211
Cupholders ......................... 262,496
Customer Assistance ..................... 533
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 72
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 198
Daytime Running Lights ................... 192
Dealer Service .......................... 465
Deck Lid, Emergency Release ................ 43
Deck Lid, Power Release ................... 42
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 269
Defroster, Windshield ................... 87,336
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 199
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 463
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 194
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) ........................ 467
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 455
10
INDEX 545
Break-In Recommendations.............. 84
Checking Oil Level ................... 467
Compartment .................... 461,462
Compartment Identification ............. 461
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 481,511
Cooling ........................... 480
Exhaust Gas Caution ................85,414
Fails to Start ........................ 351
Flooded, Starting ..................... 351
Fuel Requirements .................... 410
Jump Starting ....................... 448
Multi-Displacement ................... 366
Oil ......................... 467,510,511
Oil Change Interval ................ 293,468
Oil Filler Cap .................... 468,469
Oil Filter ........................... 470
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 470
Oil Selection ..................... 468,510
Oil Synthetic ........................ 469 Overheating
........................ 438
Starting ........................... 348
Temperature Gauge ................... 283
Engine Oil Viscosity ................... 468,469
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 69
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 411
Event Data Recorder ...................... 72
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 85,414
Exhaust System ....................... 85,478
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 98
Exterior Lighting ........................ 189
Exterior Lights .......................... 88
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 280
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 470
Air Conditioning .................. 340,474
Engine Oil ....................... 470,511
10
INDEX 547