NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
686 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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 687
•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.
690 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
692 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•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
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 733
Child Restraints
Booster Seats...........................97
Child Restraints.........................92
Child Seat Installation....................113
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt.......109
Infants And Child Restraints................95
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint . . . .108
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt.................................110
LATCH Positions.......................101
Locating The LATCH Anchorages............104
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children......100
Older Children And Child Restraints..........95
Seating Positions........................99
Child Safety Locks.........................37
Clean Air Gasoline........................580
Cleaning
Wheels...............................701
Climate Control..........................426
Automatic............................426
Coin Holder.............................313
Cold Weather Operation....................473
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance..............424
Compact Spare Tire........................559
Console................................313
Console, Floor...........................313
Contract, Service..........................741
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)...........690
Cooling System...........................686
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...............688
Coolant Capacity.......................727
Coolant Level..........................691
Disposal of Used Coolant.................691
Drain, Flush, and Refill...................687
Inspection............................687
Points to Remember.....................691
Pressure Cap..........................690
Radiator Cap..........................69010
INDEX 751
Heated...............................140
Outside..............................137
Rearview.............................130
Vanity...............................140
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................568
MOPAR® Parts...........................659
MTBE/ETBE............................580
Multi-Function Control Lever.................173
New Vehicle Break-In Period.................116
Occupant Restraints........................52
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)................579
Odometer...............................333
Tr i p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..333
Oil, Engine..............................661
Capacity.............................727
Change Interval........................662
Checking.............................661
Dipstick..............................661
Disposal..............................664
Filter................................664
Filter Disposal.........................664
Identification Logo......................662
Materials Added to......................663
Recommendation.......................662
Synthetic.............................663
Viscosity.............................663
Oil Filter, Change.........................664
Oil Filter, Selection........................664
Onboard Diagnostic System..................657
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)............288
Operating Precautions......................657
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).............5
Outside Rearview Mirrors...................137
Overheating, Engine.......................338
760 INDEX
Aging (Life of Tires).....................562
Air Pressure...........................552
Chains...............................564
Changing.............................628
Compact Spare.........................559
General Information.....................552
High Speed...........................555
Inflation Pressures.......................553
Jacking...............................628
Life of Tires...........................562
Load Capacity.........................547
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............568
Pressure Warning Light...................336
Quality Grading........................745
Radial...............................555
Replacement...........................562
Rotation..............................566
Safety...............................540
Sizes................................542
Snow Tires............................557
Spinning.............................561
Trailer Towing.........................601
Tread Wear Indicators....................561
Tire Safety Information.....................540
Tire Service Kit...........................618
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................599
To Open Hood...........................166
Torque Converter Clutch....................493
Towing................................593
Disabled Vehicle........................648
Guide...............................598
Recreational...........................606
Weight...............................598
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........606
Traction Control..........................521
Trailer Towing...........................593
Cooling System Tips.....................605
Hitches..............................597
766 INDEX