•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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
416 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
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 idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines
shown on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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 the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•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.
418 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 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” 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.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 13.6 Gallons51.5 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.26 Liters
Cooling System *
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/Antifreeze 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.2 Quarts
6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
Once A Month
•Check the 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.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
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.
8
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S444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 306
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 415
Adding Fuel ........................... 353
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 410
Additives, Fuel ......................... 351
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 406
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 408
Air Conditioning ........................ 271
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 271
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 283
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............408,409
Air Conditioning System .............271,276,408
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 284
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 329
Airbag .............................. 60,69
Airbag Deployment ....................... 70
Airbag Light ................... 67,68,73,85,193
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 72
Airbag, Side ...................... 63,66,68,69Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........64,66,69
Alarm Light ........................... 197
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................234,259
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 306
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 194
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........414,437,438
Capacities .......................... 437
Disposal ........................... 417
Appearance Care ........................ 424
Assistance Towing ....................... 111
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 276
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,289,294,375,422
Fluid Level Check .................... 422
Interlock System ..................... 295
470 INDEX
Cooling System......................... 413
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 415
Coolant Level .................... 414,417
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 417
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 414
Inspection .......................... 417
Points to Remember ................ 416,418
Pressure Cap ........................ 416
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 414
Corrosion Protection ..................... 424
Cruise Light ........................... 198
Cupholders ............................ 176
Customer Assistance ..................... 461
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 73
Dealer Service .......................... 401
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 183
Defroster, Windshield .............86,273,274,280
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 153 Diagnostic System, Onboard
................ 399
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 149
Dipsticks Power Steering ...................... 302
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 417
Engine Oil ......................... 405
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 158
Downshifting .......................... 293
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 138
Driving ............................... 300
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 95
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 168
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 308
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 309
Brake Assist System ................... 309
10
INDEX 473