CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
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.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures up to ¼” (6 mm) in the tire tread can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (88 km/hr).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 453
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or cycle the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
• 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 is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check 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 radiator for any 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 coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493
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 visible
sediment, clean and flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze)
that meets the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-12106.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than speci-
fied Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine cool-
ant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Tech-
nology (OAT) engine coolant is different and should
not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “glob-
ally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT
engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the
cooling system in an emergency, it should be flushed
with OAT coolant and replaced with the specified
OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.
(Continued)
494 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•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 is not
recommended and can result in cooling system damage.
Drain, flush, and refill as soon as possible to avoid
damage if coolant types are mixed in an emergency.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) 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.
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.
(Continued)
496 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!(Continued)
•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 disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant 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.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106
should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 497
Power Steering........................ .394
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................496
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................95
Cargo Area Features ...................... .292
Cargo Compartment ...................... .292
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................447
Car Washes ............................ .504
Cellular Phone .......................... .352
Certification Label ........................ .447
Chains, Tire ............................ .430
Chart, Tire Sizing .........................411
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .304
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............95
Checks, Safety ............................95
Child Restraint ............................72
Child Safety Locks .........................33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .440
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .506Climate Control
......................... .353
Clock ................................. .348
Coin Holder ............................ .287
Cold Weather Operation ....................372
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............352
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .425
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .324
Connector UCI................................ .349
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........349
Conserving Fuel ......................... .321
Console, Floor .......................... .287
Contract, Service ......................... .550
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........496
Cooling System .......................... .493
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............495
Coolant Capacity ...................... .523
Coolant Level ......................... .493
Disposal of Used Coolant .................497
560 INDEX
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................494
Inspection ........................... .497
Points to Remember .....................498
Pressure Cap ......................... .496
Radiator Cap ......................... .496
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .............494
Corrosion Protection ...................... .504
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ................223
Cupholders ............................ .284
Customer Assistance ...................... .547
Data Recorder, Event .......................71
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights .............209
Daytime Running Lights ....................202
Dealer Service ........................... .479
Deck Lid, Emergency Release .................44
Deck Lid, Power Release .....................42
Defroster, Rear Window .....................293
Defroster, Windshield .......................97 Delay (Intermittent) Wipers
..................210
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................476
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................204
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... .480
Power Steering ........................ .394
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................497
Door Locks ..............................30
Door Locks, Automatic ......................32
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .391
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy ......321
Electrical Power Outlets .....................279
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................293
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................111
10
INDEX 561
Door Locks............................31
Mirrors ..............................111
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........279
Seats ............................... .179
Steering ............................. .393
Sunroof ............................. .271
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ............215
Windows ..............................39
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .525
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................57
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................55
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) . .21
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .423
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........496
Radio Operation ......................... .352
Radio Remote Controls .....................350
Rain Sensitive Wiper System .................212Rear Axle (Differential)
.....................503
Rear Camera ........................... .257
Rear Cupholder ......................... .286
Rear Park Sense System .....................248
Rear Seat, Folding ........................ .190
Rear Window Defroster .....................293
Rear Window Features .....................293
Recorder, Event Data .......................71
Recreational Towing ...................... .449
Reformulated Gasoline .....................440
Refrigerant ............................. .486
Release, Hood ........................... .196
Reminder, Lights On ...................... .202
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................56
Remote Control Starting System .........................26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ..................21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls .........350
Remote Starting System ......................26
570 INDEX