Page 445 of 516

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 addi-
tional 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.
• 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
Page 446 of 516

•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.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the requirements described on the brake fluid reservoir.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 473 of 516
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.26 Liters
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
3.6L Engine (MOPAR® Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10
Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 471
Page 474 of 516
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology).
Engine Oil – 2.4L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®,
and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®,
and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR® Engine Oil Filter.
Spark Plugs – 2.4L Engine
except PZEV* We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]).
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 479 of 516

•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
(four-speed only) and fill 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.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•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.
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Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or 150,000
miles (240,000 km) whichever
comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your ve-
hicle for any of the following: po-
lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
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Page 496 of 516

About Your Brakes....................... .320
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................322
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............440
Adding Fuel ............................ .372
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .434
Additives, Fuel .......................... .366
Airbag ..................................59
Airbag Deployment ........................69
Airbag Light .............................66
Airbag Maintenance ........................71
Airbag, Side ..............................62
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................63
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .428
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................430
Air Conditioning ......................... .273
Air Conditioning Controls ...................273
Air Conditioning Filter .....................285
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..............286
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................430Air Conditioning System
....................273
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .343
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ...............217
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................260
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................439
Disposal ............................. .442
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................322
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................322
Appearance Care ........................ .450
Ashtray ............................... .194
Assistance Towing ........................ .124
Auto Down Power Windows ..................37
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................106
Automatic Door Locks ......................33
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............214
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........277
Automatic Transaxle ........................12
Automatic Transmission ....................295
494 INDEX
Page 497 of 516

Adding Fluid......................... .447
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................450
Fluid Level Check ...................... .447
Fluid Type ........................... .446
Gear Ranges .......................... .299
Special Additives ...................... .447
Autostick .............................. .314
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................33
Auto Up Power Windows ....................38
Battery ................................ .429
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........26
Location ............................. .429
Belts, Seat ...............................96
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................433
B-Pillar Location ......................... .337
Brake Assist System ...................... .326
Brake, Parking .......................... .320
Brake System ........................... .444Anti-Lock (ABS)
....................... .322
Fluid Check .......................... .444
Master Cylinder ....................... .444
Parking ............................. .320
Warning Light .........................211
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................298
Bulb Replacement ........................ .463
Bulbs, Light ..............................99
Calibration, Compass ..................... .230
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........21
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .471
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .372
Oil (Engine) .......................... .419
Power Steering ........................ .319
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................441
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................95
Car Washes ............................ .451
10
INDEX 495