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.
•Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) as soon as
possible.
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!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
628 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 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 629
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 (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•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 protec-
tion of your engine which contains aluminum compo-
nents.
•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 emis-
sions.
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.
630 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
•Check windshield washer fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
662 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
•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, and power steering 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.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregular 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
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 663
Bulbs, Light.............................125
Calibration, Compass......................340
Camera, Rear............................249
Capacities, Fluid..........................656
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................540
Power Steering.........................479
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................628
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................121
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier........................294
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................285
Car Washes.............................635
Cellular Phone...........................432
Center High Mounted Stop Light..............655
Certification Label.........................542
Chains, Tire.............................520
Changing A Flat Tire.......................575
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................497
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .316
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............121
Checks, Safety...........................121
Child Restraint............................96
Child Restraints
Booster Seats..........................100
Center Seat LATCH......................109
Child Restraints.........................96
Child Seat Installation....................112
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.......110
Infants And Child Restraints................98
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .109
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt.................................111
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children......103
Older Children And Child Restraints..........99
Seating Positions........................102
Using The Top Tether Anchorage............117
682 INDEX
Jump Starting..........................594
Overheating...........................561
Emission Control System Maintenance..........609
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................615
Block Heater..........................462
Break-In Recommendations................120
Checking Oil Level......................612
Compartment..........................607
Compartment Identification................607
Coolant (Antifreeze).....................624
Cooling..............................624
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................121
Flooded, Starting.......................460
Fuel Requirements......................531
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..612
Oil Selection...........................613
Oil Synthetic..........................615
Overheating...........................561
Starting..............................459
Temperature Gauge......................322
Engine Oil Viscosity.......................614
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart...................614
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............91
Entry System, Illuminated....................20
Ethanol................................532
Event Data Recorder........................95
Exhaust Gas Caution.......................121
Exhaust System...........................121
Exterior Lights...........................125
Fabric Care..............................638
Filler Location Fuel........................318
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................615
Air Conditioning.......................452
Engine Oil............................615
Engine Oil Disposal.....................61510
INDEX 685
Flashers
Hazard Warning........................561
Turn Signal...........................125
Flash-To-Pass............................229
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range.........................539
Engine Oil............................538
Fuel Requirements......................536
Maintenance...........................539
Replacement Parts.......................539
Starting..............................539
Flooded Engine Starting....................460
Floor Console............................286
Fluid Capacities..........................656
Fluid Leaks.............................125
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................634
Brake................................631
Cooling System.........................624
Power Steering.........................479
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........657
Fog Lights..............................225
Fog Light Service.........................653
Fold in Floor (Stow(n Go) Seating.............198
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.....................598
Fuel...................................531
Adding..............................540
Additives.............................534
Clean Air.............................532
Conserving............................336
Economy Mode........................465
Ethanol..............................532
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................318
Filler Door (Gas Cap)....................318
Gasoline..............................531
Gauge...............................318
Light................................322
MaterialsAdded........................534
686 INDEX