• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Bi-Level and then press
the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions. Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again. 4 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 401
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
(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 coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine 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.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.580 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
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.
7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 581
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) — Two Door Models 18.6 Gallons 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — Four Door Models 22.5 Gallons 85 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L Engine 6 Quarts 5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant
10 Year/152,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 10.5 Quarts 9.9 Liters
* Includes coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. 610 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals .
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals. At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
8 M
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 615
Fluid Level Check ..................... .586
Fluid Type .......................... .585
Special Additives ...................... .585
Autostick .............................. .426
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ....... .182
Auxiliary Power Outlet .................... .182
Axle Lock .............................. .433
Battery ................................ .570
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Belts, Seat ...............................48
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................ .572
Brake Assist System ...................... .457
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. .456
Brake System ........................... .583
Anti-Lock (ABS) ...................... .455
Master Cylinder ....................... .583
Parking ............................. .452
Warning Light ........................ .302 Brake/Transmission Interlock ................ .419
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .........98
Bulb Replacement ........................ .606
Bulbs, Light ............................ .103
Calibration, Compass ..................... .318
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .610
Caps, Filler
Fuel ............................... .510
Power Steering ....................... .451
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .............. .580
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. .100
Cargo Light ............................ .172
Car Washes ............................ .592
Cellular Phone ...........................114
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............. .609
Certification Label ........................ .513
Chains, Tire ............................ .492
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .540
10 INDEX 635
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .473
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ...............311
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............99
Checks, Safety ............................99
Child Restraint ............................76
Child Safety Locks .........................40
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .507
Cleaning
Wheels ............................. .593
Climate Control ......................... .391
Clock ................................. .337
Cold Weather Operation ....................411
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. .390
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .487
Compass .............................. .315
Compass Calibration ...................... .318
Compass Variance ........................ .317
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .315 Connector
UCI ............................... .382
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ........ .382
Console ............................... .189
Console, Floor .......................... .189
Contract, Service ......................... .627
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... .580
Cooling System .......................... .577
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. .579
Coolant Capacity ...................... .610
Coolant Level ........................ .581
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ .581
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................. .578
Inspection ........................... .577
Points to Remember .................... .581
Pressure Cap ......................... .580
Radiator Cap ......................... .580
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........... .578
Corrosion Protection ...................... .591636 INDEX