operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to
the application of any lubricant, the parts concerned
should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed.
Particular attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When performing
other underhood services, the hood latch, release mecha-
nism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant, such as MOPAR Lock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.Adding Washer Fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 505
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• 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 is hot.
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 or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 509
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 idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines
shown on the bottle.The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). 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, 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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 513
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.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.
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The
350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. 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
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 545
Bulbs, Light......................... .101, 535
Calibration, Compass ..................... .259
Camera, Rear ........................... .179
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........538
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .538
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .430
Oil (Engine) ....................491, 492, 499
Power Steering ........................ .372
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................512
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................98, 430
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .203
Cargo Area Features ...................... .203
Cargo Compartment ...................... .203
Light ............................... .203
Luggage Carrier ....................... .209
Cargo Light ............................ .203
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .205Cargo Tie-Downs
........................ .205
Car Washes ............................ .523
Cellular Phone ...........................112
Center High Mounted Stop Light ..............538
Chains, Tire ............................ .414
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .456
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .392
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .494
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................75
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................80
Child Restraints .........................75
Child Seat Installation .....................93
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........89
Infants And Child Restraints ................78
Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint ....88
568 INDEX
Emergency, In Case OfJacking .............................. .456
Jump Starting ......................... .477
Towing ............................. .484
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........494
Engine ............................. .491, 492
Air Cleaner .......................... .500
Block Heater ......................... .340
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .497
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................509, 539
Cooling ............................. .509
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................98, 430
Fuel Requirements ..................... .426
Jump Starting ......................... .477
Oil .......................... .497, 538, 539
Oil Filler Cap ...................491, 492, 499
Oil Filter ............................ .500
Oil Selection .......................... .498Oil Synthetic
......................... .499
Overheating .......................... .453
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Ethanol ............................... .427
Event Data Recorder ........................74
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................98, 430
Exhaust System ....................... .98, 506
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .500
Air Conditioning ....................330, 503
Engine Oil ........................ .500, 539
Engine Oil Disposal .....................500
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .453
Turn Signal .....................101, 244, 537
Flooded Engine Starting ....................339
Fluid, Brake ............................ .541
10
INDEX 571
Brake Warning........................ .226
Bulb Replacement ...................... .536
Cargo .............................. .203
Center Mounted Stop ....................538
Daytime Running ...................... .165
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............164, 167
Engine Temperature Warning ...............229
Exterior ............................. .101
Fog............................. .166, 537
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................241
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................453
Headlights ........................... .164
Headlights On With Wipers .............168, 173
Headlight Switch ...................... .164
High Beam ........................... .167
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............167
Instrument Cluster ..................... .164
License ............................. .538
Lights On Reminder .....................165 Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)
.........233
Map Reading ......................... .169
Park ............................... .245
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .224
Security Alarm ..................... .18, 228
Service .............................. .536
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............235
Traction Control ....................... .387
Turn Signal ..............101, 164, 166, 244, 537
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .229, 244
Loading Vehicle ...................... .433, 434
Capacities ........................... .434
Tires ............................... .397
Locks ..................................30
Automatic Door .........................32
Child Protection .........................34
Door .................................30
Power Door ............................31
Lubrication, Body ........................ .504
10
INDEX 575