
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.
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)
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.
550 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•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

CavityCar-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
F139 40 Amp
GreenClimate Control
System Blower
F140 30 Amp
PinkPower Locks
F141 40 Amp
GreenAnti-Lock Brake
System
F142 40 Amp
GreenGlow Plugs –
If Equipped
F143 40 Amp
GreenExterior Lights 1
F144 40 Amp
GreenExterior Lights 2
F145 30 Amp
PinkTo Body Computer –
LampCavityCar-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
F146 30 Amp
PinkSpare
F147 30 Amp
PinkSpare
F148 40 Amp
GreenRadiator Fan Motor
F149 30 Amp
PinkStarter Solenoid
F150 25 Amp
NaturalPowertrain Control
Modules
F151 30 Amp
PinkHeadlamp Washer
Motor – If Equipped
F152 25 Amp
NaturalDiesel Fuel Heater –
If Equipped
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

Bulb Replacement.........................572
Bulbs, Light.............................108
Camera, Rear............................245
Capacities, Fluid..........................580
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................477
Oil (Engine)...........................525
Power Steering.........................421
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................550
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................105
Cargo Area Cover.........................280
Cargo Area Features.......................277
Cargo Compartment.......................277
Light................................277
Luggage Carrier........................286
Cargo Load Floor.........................278Cargo Management System..................278
Rollaway Tonneau Cover..................280
Tri-Fold Load Floor......................278
Cargo Tie-Downs.........................279
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................278
Car Washes.............................560
Cellular Phone...........................368
Certification Label.........................479
Chains, Tire.............................456
Changing A Flat Tire.......................500
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................436
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .294
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............104
Checks, Safety...........................104
Child Restraint............................79
Child Safety Locks.........................33
Clean Air Gasoline........................469
608 INDEX

Cleaning
Wheels...............................561
Climate Control..........................368
Coin Holder.............................271
Cold Weather Operation....................395
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............367
Compact Spare Tire........................451
Computer, Trip/Travel......................314
Connector
UCI.................................365
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)..........365
Conserving Fuel..........................312
Console, Floor...........................271
Console, Overhead........................247
Contract, Service..........................598
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........550
Cooling System...........................546
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............549
Coolant Capacity.......................580Coolant Level..........................547
Disposal of Used Coolant.................550
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................547
Inspection............................551
Points to Remember.....................551
Pressure Cap..........................550
Radiator Cap..........................550
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).............547
Corrosion Protection.......................559
Cupholders.............................269
Customer Assistance.......................595
Data Recorder, Event.......................77
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.............226
Daytime Running Lights....................222
Dealer Service............................530
Defroster, Rear Window.....................285
Defroster, Windshield.....................
.106
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..................228
10
INDEX 609

Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors...................116
Overhead Console.........................247
Overheating, Engine.......................302
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paint Care..............................559
Panic Alarm..............................24
Parking Brake............................422
Park Sense System, Rear....................237
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System)......214
Passing Light............................225
Pets...................................103
Pets, Transporting.........................103
Placard, Tire and Loading Information..........441
Power
Brakes...............................424
Distribution Center (Fuses)................568
Door Locks............................31Inverter..............................267
Mirrors..............................117
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)...........262
Seats................................196
Steering..............................420
Sunroof..............................259
Transfer Unit..........................558
Windows..............................40
Power Steering Fluid.......................583
Power Transfer Unit.......................558
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts................62
Preparation for Jacking.....................501
Pretensioners
Seat Belts..............................57
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) . .22
Radial Ply Tires..........................448
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)...........550
Radio Operation..........................368
10
INDEX 619