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WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lu-
bricants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk
of personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, adding refrigerant or any repair re-
quiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants. Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-saving product. However, the manufac-
turer recommends that air conditioning service
be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C sys-
tem sealers, stop leak products, seal condi-
tioners, compressor oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
blower is operating or personal injury may
result.The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove box. Perform the following
procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all
contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compart-
ment and lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure
the filter cover to the HVAC housing, and re-
move the cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
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5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight
out of the housing.
6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the
filter pointing toward the floor. When installing
the filter cover, make sure the retaining tabs
fully engage the cover.
CAUTION!
The A/C air filter is identified with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter.
Failure to properly install the filter will result
in the need to replace it more often.
7. Rotate the glove compartment door back
into position.
Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically
with a lithium based grease, such as MOPAR®
Spray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-
tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior
to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove
dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and
grease should be removed. Particular attention
should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When perform-
ing other underhood services, the hood latch,
release mechanism and safety catch should be
cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the Fall and Spring.
Apply a small amount of a high quality lubricant,
such as MOPAR® Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder.Windshield Wiper BladesClean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and
the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft
cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using the
wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry wind-
shield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or
ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and fre-
quency of use. Poor performance of blades
may be present with chattering, marks, wa-
ter lines or wet spots. If any of these condi-
tions are present, clean the wiper blades or
replace as necessary.
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Rear Wiper Blade Removal/Installation
1. Lift the pivot cap on the rear wiper arm
upward, this will allow the rear wiper blade to be
raised off of the liftgate glass.
NOTE:
The rear wiper arm cannot be raised fully
upward unless the pivot cap is raised first.
2. Lift the rear wiper arm upward to raise the
wiper blade off of the liftgate glass.3. Grab the bottom of the wiper blade and
rotate it forward to unsnap the blade pivot pin
from the wiper blade holder.
4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the wiper
blade holder at the end of the wiper arm, and
firmly press the wiper blade until it snaps into
place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot
cap into place.Adding Washer FluidOn vehicles equipped with a Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the low washer fluid
level will be indicated. When the sensor detects
a low fluid level, the windshield will light on the
vehicle graphic outline and the “WASHER
FLUID LOW” message will be displayed.
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers
and the rear window washer is shared. The fluid
reservoir is located in the engine compartment,
be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will
help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up
of your windshield washer system in cold
weather, select a solution or mixture that meets
or exceeds the temperature range of your cli-
mate. This rating information can be found on
most washer fluid containers.
1 — Wiper Arm
2 — Pivot Cap
1 — Wiper Blade
2 — Blade Pivot Pin
3 — Wiper Arm
4 — Wiper Blade Holder
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WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite
and burn you. Care must be exercised when
filling or working around the washer solution.
Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for bro-
ken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could
permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passen-
ger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to
“Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri-
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your ve-
hicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. How-
ever, it is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to assure proper catalyst operation and
prevent possible catalyst damage.
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NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the
ignition, when the transmission is in gear and
the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed, such as
when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunction-
ing operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam com-
ing 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.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) by
an authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C
condenser 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 engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the coolant recovery
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature
(but not running), check the cooling system pres-
sure 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 (antifreeze) 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 require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
CAUTION!
•
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may re-
sult 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 Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze) or any “globally 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 (anti-
freeze) as soon as possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust
products, as they may not be compatible
with the radiator engine coolant and may
plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze) is not
recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS-12106) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be
used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent
reducing this extended maintenance period, it is
important that you use the same engine coolant
(OAT coolant conforming to MS-12106) through-
out the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for us-
ing Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) that meets the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
• We recommend using MOPAR® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT
(Organic Additive Technology) that meets the
requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-12106.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106 and
distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34° F ( 37° C) are anticipated.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized 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.
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Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against
freezing according 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 (antifreeze) 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 cool-
ant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. 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 re-
move 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 engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is a regulated substance requiring
proper disposal. Check with your local authori-
ties to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals 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 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 coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the cool-
ant 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.
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Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles/kilometers of operation, you may ob-
serve vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized 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.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks. •
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration 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 neces-
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-
spected 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 tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood ser-
vice, or immediately if the brake system warning
lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there
is a “MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot. The fluid level
must be kept within these two dots. Do not add
fluid above the MAX mark, because leakage
may occur at the cap.
324