Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine 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 tightness 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 pressure 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 (anti-
freeze) 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
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to
MS-12106).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 613
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.
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/coolant pressure 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 coolant 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.
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 high7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 617
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.
• 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.
618 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
•
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 and
brake master cylinder, 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
• 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 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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E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 653
Camera, Rear........................... .284
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .648
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .525
Oil (Engine) .......................... .593
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................616
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................116
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .315
Cargo Area Features ...................... .313
Cargo Compartment ...................... .313
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .313
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .314
Car Washes ............................ .623
Cellular Phone .......................... .392
Certification Label ........................ .528
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .566
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .482
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . .596
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............115Checks, Safety
............................115
Child Restraint ............................90
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation ....................110
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .106
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle
Seat Belt ............................. .108
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......99
Child Safety Locks .........................37
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .521
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .625
Climate Control ......................... .393
Coin Holder ............................ .310
Cold Weather Operation ....................421
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............391
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .498
Console ............................... .310
Console, Floor .......................... .310
670 INDEX
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)........300
Electric Parking Brake ..................... .451
Electric Remote Mirrors .....................134
Electronic Brake Control System ...............459
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................434
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..............463
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........185
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............474
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......284
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .335
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................553
Jacking .............................. .566
Jump Starting ......................... .578
Overheating .......................... .553
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........596
Engine ................................ .593
Air Cleaner .......................... .603
Block Heater ......................... .423Break-In Recommendations
................114
Checking Oil Level ..................... .600
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................649
Cooling ............................. .612
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................51
Fails to Start .......................... .421
Flooded, Starting ...................... .421
Fuel Requirements ..................... .519
Jump Starting ......................... .578
Oil................................. .600
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .593
Oil Filter ............................ .603
Oil Selection .......................... .601
Oil Synthetic ......................... .602
Overheating .......................... .553
Starting ............................. .420
Temperature Gauge ..................... .332
Engine
Oil Viscosity ...................... .601
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................601
672 INDEX
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............85
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .521
Event Data Recorder ........................89
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................51
Exhaust System ...........................116
Exterior Lighting ......................... .166
Exterior Lights ...........................119
Fabric Care ............................. .626
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .603
Air Conditioning ...................... .412
Engine Oil ........................... .603
Engine Oil Disposal .....................602
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .553
Turn Signal ............................119
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .173Flooded Engine Starting
....................421
Floor Console ........................... .310
Fluid, Brake ............................ .650
Fluid Capacities ......................... .648
Fluid Leaks .............................119
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .619
Engine Oil ........................... .600
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........649
Fog Lights ............................. .170
Fog Light Service ........................ .645
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .157
Forward Collision Warning ..................216
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .443
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................582
Fuel .................................. .519
Additives ............................ .523
Clean Air ............................ .521
Ethanol ............................. .521
10
INDEX 673
Daytime Running...................... .170
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .................171
Exterior ..............................119
Fog ................................ .170
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................553
Headlights ........................... .166
Headlights On Reminder ..................170
Headlights On With Wipers ................167
Headlight Switch ...................... .166
High Beam ........................... .172
High Beam Indicator .....................326
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............172
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............466
Illuminated Entry ........................22
Instrument Cluster ..................... .166
Intensity Control ....................... .174
Interior ............................. .174
License ............................. .647
Lights On Reminder .....................170 Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)
.........333
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ...........175
Passing ............................. .173
Rear Servicing ........................ .646
Rear Tail ............................ .646
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .330
Security Alarm ........................ .334
Service .............................. .642
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .333
Side Marker .......................... .645
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............330
Traction Control ....................... .478
Turn Signal ............................119
Vanity Mirror ......................... .136
Load Floor, Cargo ........................ .313
Loading Vehicle ......................... .528
Tires ............................... .488
Locks ..................................
34
Automatic Door .........................36
10
INDEX 677