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 bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
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
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 583
Coolant Level
2.4L Engine —The coolant bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines,
shown on the bottle.
3.6L Engine — The level of the coolant in the pressurized
coolant bottle should be between the “COLD” and
“FULL” range on the bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 main-
tain 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.
584 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
•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.90032) 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 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.
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
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 585
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
588 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, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission (4-
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.
• 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. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 621
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............580, 614
Disposal ............................. .583
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................450
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................321
Appearance Care ........................ .592
Arming System (Security Alarm) ...............18
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .453
Auto Down Power Windows ..................42
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................119
Automatic Door Locks ....................32, 33
Automatic Headlights ..................... .225
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............331
Automatic Transmission .................429, 587
Adding Fluid ...................588, 590, 618
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................591
Fluid Level Check ...................588, 590
Fluid Type ........................... .618
Gear Ranges .......................... .433Special Additives
...................... .588
Autostick .............................. .439
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................33
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........268
Auxiliary Power Outlet .....................268
Back-Up Lights .......................... .610
Battery ............................ .309, 569
Charging System Light ...................309
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........24
Location ............................. .569
Belts, Seat .............................. .109
Bluetooth Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or
Audio Device After Pairing ................157
Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the Uconnect
Phone And Mobile Phone ..............143, 173
Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile
Phone ........................... .129, 153
10
INDEX 639
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................573
B-Pillar Location ......................... .470
Brake Assist System ...................... .453
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............450
Brake Fluid ............................ .618
Brake, Parking .......................... .446
Brakes ................................ .449
Brake System ........................ .449, 585
Fluid Check ....................... .586, 618
Master Cylinder ....................... .586
Parking ............................. .446
Warning Light ........................ .304
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................431
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................230
Bulb Replacement ..................... .606, 608
Bulbs, Light ..........................111,606
Camera, Rear ........................... .250
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .614Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................ .505
Oil (Engine) ....................... .559, 567
Power Steering ........................ .445
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................583
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............108, 502
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .286
Cargo Area Features ...................... .282
Cargo Compartment ...................... .282
Light ............................... .282
Luggage Carrier ....................... .290
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .283
Cargo Management System ..................283
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ..................286
Tri-Fold Load Floor ..................... .283
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .284
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) .................283, 508
Car
Washes ............................ .593
Certification Label ........................ .508
640 INDEX
Chains, Tire............................ .488
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .532
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .465
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .562
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............107
Checks, Safety .......................... .107
Child Restraint ............................78
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................86
Child Restraints .........................78
Child Seat Installation .................99, 101
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........97
Infants And Child Restraints ................81
Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint ....96
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle
Seat Belt ..............................98
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ............93
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......89
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........82Seating Positions
........................88
Using The Top Tether Anchorage ............103
Child Safety Locks .........................33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .498
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .595
Coin Holder ............................ .277
Cold Weather Operation ....................427
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............387
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .482
Computer, Trip/Travel ..................... .334
Connector UCI................................ .385
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........385
Conserving Fuel ......................... .332
Console, Floor .......................... .277
Console, Overhead ....................... .252
Contract, Service ......................... .631
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........583
10
INDEX 641