Coolant Checks
Check 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.90032) by an
authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C
condenser/radiator 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/radiator.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the 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.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
CAUTION!(Continued)
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If
a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates
a problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
•Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
•Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission, and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE:Also, inspect the 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.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 363
About Your Brakes........................239
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)................241
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............328
Adding Fuel.............................282
Adding Washer Fluid......................323
Additives, Fuel...........................280
Adjustable Pedals.........................112
Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Advance Front Air Bag....................45
Air Bag Components.....................44
Air Bag Operation.......................48
Air Bag Warning Light....................67
Enhanced Accident Response................66
Event Data Recorder (EDR).................69
Front Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
If A Deployment Occurs...................65
Knee Impact Bolsters.....................62
Maintaining Your Air Bag System............69
Transporting Pets........................81
Air Bag Deployment........................44
Air Bag Light.............................67
Air Bag Maintenance.......................69
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .318
Air Conditioner Maintenance.................321
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..............204
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.................321
Air Conditioning System....................321
Air Pressure, Tires.........................259
Alarm Light.............................148
Alarm System (Security Alarm)................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna................................195
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................328
Capacities............................357
Disposal..............................330
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................241
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................155
Appearance Care.........................336
380 INDEX
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................330
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................82
Car Washes.............................337
Cellular Phone...........................196
Chains, Tire.............................270
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................249
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .151
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety...............82
Checks, Safety............................82
Child Restraint............................70
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................75
Child Restraints.........................70
Infants And Child Restraints................73
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt..................................76
Older Children And Child Restraints..........73
Using The Top Tether Anchorage.............78
Clean Air Gasoline........................278
Cleaning
Wheels...............................338
Windshield Wiper Blades..................323
Climate Control..........................196
Clutch Fluid.............................335
Compact Spare Tire........................265
Contract, Service..........................373
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........330
Cooling System...........................326
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............328
Coolant Capacity.......................357
Coolant Level..........................327
Disposal Of Used Coolant.................330
Drain, Flush, And Refill...................327
Inspection............................331
Points To Remember.....................331
Pressure Cap..........................330
Radiator Cap..........................330
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)............328
382 INDEX
Interior..............................106
Lights On Reminder.....................104
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine).........151
Oil Pressure...........................148
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)...........108
Passing..............................106
Seat Belt Reminder......................144
Security Alarm.........................148
Service...............................354
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . .151
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............149
Turn Signal............................85
Vanity Mirror...........................93
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......144
Loading Vehicle
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..254
Locks..................................24
Automatic Door.........................26
Auto Unlock...........................27
Door.................................24
Power Door............................25
Low Tire Indicator........................271
Low Tire Pressure System...................271
Lubrication, Body.........................322
Lug Nuts...............................291
Maintenance Free Battery....................318
Maintenance Procedures....................315
Maintenance Schedule......................362
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......151
Manual, Service..........................376
Manual Transmission......................225
Fluid Level Check.......................335
Lubricant Selection......................360
Shift Speeds...........................227
Methanol...............................278
Mirrors.................................90
Electric Remote.........................92
388 INDEX
Outside...............................91
Rearview..............................90
Vanity................................93
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................271
MOPAR® Parts...........................314
MTBE/ETBE............................278
Multi-Function Control Lever.................105
New Vehicle Break-In Period..................81
Occupant Restraints........................32
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................277
Oil, Engine..............................315
Capacity.............................357
Change Interval........................316
Checking.............................315
Dipstick..............................315
Disposal..............................317
Filter................................317
Filter Disposal.........................317
Materials Added To......................317
Recommendation.......................316
Viscosity.............................317
Oil Filter, Selection........................317
Onboard Diagnostic System..................312
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)............120
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors....................91
Overheating, Engine.......................290
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).............4
Paint Care..............................336
Panic Alarm..............................21
Parking Brake............................237
Parking On Hill..........................237
Passing Light............................106
Pedals, Adjustable.........................112
10
INDEX 389
Pets....................................81
Placard, Tire And Loading Information..........255
Power
Brakes...............................239
Door Locks............................25
Mirrors...............................92
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)...........129
Steering..............................235
Windows..............................27
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts...............40
Pretensioners
Seat Belts..............................41
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless Entry) . .22
Radial Ply Tires..........................261
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)...........330
Radio Antenna...........................195
Radio Operation..........................196
Radio (Sound Systems).....................193
Rear Camera.............................118
Rear Liftgate.............................30
Rear Window Defroster.....................138
Rear Window Features.....................138
Reclining Front Seats.......................96
Recorder, Event Data.......................69
Recreational Towing.......................287
Reformulated Gasoline.....................278
Refrigerant..............................322
Reminder, Lights On.......................104
Reminder, Seat Belt.........................34
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)..................20
FCC General Information..................24
Programming Additional Key Fobs...........16
Programming Additional Transmitters.........16
Remote Battery Replacement................22
Transmitter Battery Replacement.............22
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls.........194
Replacement Keys.........................15
390 INDEX