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
reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the en-
gine 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.
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 disposal
rules 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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 523
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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
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 bottle.
•Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
524 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the recovery bottle does not
drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure-tested for leaks.
•Maintain the 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 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.
•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 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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
The stop lamp is mounted on a bracket that extends
upward from the tailgate behind the spare tire. If service
is needed, obtain the LED/Cover Assembly from your
local authorized dealer.
1. Remove the spare tire.2. Remove the four screws holding the lens/cover in
place on the spare tire carrier.
3. Disconnect the wire harness from the back of the LED
cover.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.
Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — Two Door Models 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — Four Door Models 22.5 Gallons85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.8 Liter Engine 6 Quarts5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.8 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 13 Quarts
12 Liters
* Includes coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 549
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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.
•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
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 555
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............269,409
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 522
Adding Fuel ........................... 457
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 512
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 514
Air Conditioning ........................ 351
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 351
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 362
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 515
Air Conditioning System ................351,355
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 363
Air Filter .............................. 512
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 437
Airbag ................................ 59
Airbag Deployment ....................... 67
Airbag Light ..................... 65,70,87,270
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 69
Airbag, Side ............................ 66
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18 Alarm Light
........................... 271
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................314,339
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 409
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 549
Appearance Care ........................ 532
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 19
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 35
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 289
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 355
Automatic Transmission ................... 527
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 527
Fluid Level Check .................... 528
Fluid Type ......................... 527
Gear Ranges ........................ 379
Shifting ........................... 378
582 INDEX
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............277,507
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .................... 71,72,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 38
Child Seat .............................. 75
Climate Control ......................... 351
Clock ........................... 300,318,328
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 350
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 440
Compass ........................ 281,285,292
Compass Calibration .................. 285,293
Compass Variance .................... 284,293
Computer, Trip/Travel .................281,290
Connector UCI .............................. 342
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 342Console
.............................. 169
Console, Floor .......................... 169
Contract, Service ........................ 575
Cooling System ......................... 520
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 522
Coolant Capacity ..................... 549
Coolant Level ....................... 524
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 523
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 521
Inspection .......................... 520
Points to Remember .................. 524
Pressure Cap ........................ 523
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......521,549
Corrosion Protection ..................... 532
Cruise Light ........................... 272
Cupholders ............................ 168
Customer Assistance ..................... 573
584 INDEX