Page 553 of 630

Coolant Level
2.4L Engine –the coolant bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines,
shown on the bottle.
3.6L Engine –the level of the coolant in the pressurized
coolant bottle should be between the “COLD” and
“FULL” range on the bottle when the engine is cold.
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 (antifreeze). Advise
your service attendant of this. As long as the engine oper-
ating 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 expansion bottle.
•
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 551
Page 554 of 630

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the coolant expansion 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.
•
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.
552 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 613 of 630

Engine.................................103
Air Cleaner...........................534
Block Heater..........................396
Break-In Recommendations................103
Checking Oil Level......................531
Compartment..........................525
Compartment Identification................526
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................547
Cooling..............................546
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................45
Fails to Start...........................395
Flooded, Starting.......................395
Fuel Requirements......................468
Jump Starting..........................512
Oil..................................531
Oil Change Interval......................311
Oil Filler Cap..........................525
Oil Selection...........................532
Oil Synthetic..........................533Operation.............................103
Overheating...........................498
Starting..............................392
Temperature Gauge......................301
Engine Oil Viscosity.......................533
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................533
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............74
Entry System, Illuminated....................21
Ethanol................................469
Event Data Recorder........................77
Exhaust Gas Caution........................45
Exhaust System...........................105
Exterior Folding Mirrors....................118
Exterior Lighting..........................220
Exterior Lights...........................108
Fabric Care..............................562
Filler Location Fuel........................301
10
INDEX 611
Page 615 of 630

Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................301
Filler Door (Gas Cap)....................301
Gasoline..............................468
Gauge...............................301
Light................................308
Materials Added........................471
Methanol.............................469
Octane Rating..........................468
Requirements..........................468
Saver Mode...........................312
Specifications..........................582
Tank Capacity..........................580
Fuel, Flexible............................473
Fueling................................477
Fuel Optimizer...........................312
Fuel Saver..............................312
Fuel System Caution.......................477
Fuses..................................565Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)............250
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...................477
Gasoline, Clean Air........................469
Gasoline (Fuel)
Conserving............................312
Gasoline, Reformulated.....................469
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.....................301
Fuel.................................301
Speedometer..........................301
Tachometer............................294
Gear Ranges.............................401
Gear Select Lever Override..................518
General Information........................18
Glass Cleaning...........................564
Gross Axle Weight Rating...................479
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..................479
GVWR
.................................479
10
INDEX 613
Page 625 of 630

Sun Roof...............................259
Sun Visor Extension.......................119
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag..........63
Sway Control, Trailer.......................433
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................533
System, Remote Starting.....................26
Tachometer..............................294
Taillights...............................576
Telescoping Steering Column.................231
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)..........378
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant............301
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)..................18
Theft System (Security Alarm).................18
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo....................279
Tilt Steering Column.......................231
Time Delay, Headlight......................221
Tire and Loading Information Placard...........440
Tire Markings............................434Tires ..................................108
Aging (Life of Tires).....................454
Air Pressure...........................445
Chains...............................456
Changing.............................500
Compact Spare.........................451
General Information.....................445
High Speed...........................448
Inflation Pressures.......................446
Jacking...............................500
Life of Tires...........................454
Load Capacity.........................440
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............459
Pressure Warning Light...................297
Quality Grading........................601
Radial...............................448
Replacement...........................455
Rotation.............................
.457
Safety...............................434
10
INDEX 623