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 normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• 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 emissions.
Brake System
To ensure brake system performance, all brake system com-
ponents should be inspected periodically. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly an accident. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when perform-
ing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the requirements described on the brake fluid reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information. Use of a
brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling point or
unidentified as to specification, may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer ’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a accident.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. This center
contains fuses and relays.
Cavity RelayCartridge FuseMini-Fuse Description
3 — 40 Amp Green — Rad Fan
4 — 40 Amp Green — Rad Fan Rly High
5 — 40 Amp Green — ABS/ESP Pump Feed
Power Distribution Center
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
the vehicle’s battery. If the vehicle is not going to be
driven in the next three weeks, perform the battery
recharge procedure in the Service Manual. Then, either
disconnect the battery at the negative terminal or use
“Hibernation Mode” to conserve battery power. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Hibernation Mode” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
• Cover the vehicle whenever possible to prevent acciden-
tal damage to the finish.
NOTE: Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some “learned” functions. After
reconnecting the battery, the engine may run rough until
the control module “relearns” these functions. Using the
Battery Save Feature will prevent the engine controller
from loosing its memory.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive cable.
It is connected to the battery and can short out to any
metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the exposed
cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.10 Volts. The voltage will drop more rapidly in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.10 Volts, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
NOTE:
To help prevent the battery from discharging dur-
ing shorter periods of inactivity, perform the following:
1. Make sure that the liftgate, hood, doors, windows are completely closed.
2. Make sure that the key fob is operating and that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the HOOD, LIFTGATE, and DOOR switches are in adjustment. Perform the quick system
check, which follows:
Use the key fob to set the alarm. If the alarm SET light
comes on and flashes, the system is operating properly. If
not, there is a problem with a switch or the system. See
your authorized dealer for service.
If you plan to store the vehicle longer than 30 days, we
recommend using Hibernation Mode to conserve battery
power. Refer to “Hibernation Mode” in Maintenance
Procedures for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 16 Gallons 60.6 Liters
Engine Oil With Filter
We recommend you use synthetic SAE 0W-40, API Certified. 11 Quarts10.4 Liters
Transmission
We recommend you use MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. 3.4 Quarts3.2 Liters
Rear Axle
We recommend you use Castrol SAF-XJ/SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear and
Axle Lubricant. 1.5 Quarts
1.4 Liters
Cooling System *
We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant (OAT coolant
conforming to MS.90032) 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent). 16 Quarts
15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT
coolant conforming to MS.90032.
Engine Oil We recommend you use a full synthetic 0W-40 engine oil such as MOPAR or Pennzoil Ultra
or equivalent engine oil.
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection We recommend you use Unleaded 91 Octane Only or Higher, 0-10% Ethanol.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is differ-
ent and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti-
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (anti-
freeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is
introduced into the cooling system in an emergency,
the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed,
and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages specified to protect
your vehicle warranty and ensure the best vehicle perfor-
mance and reliability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as
dusty areas and very short trip driving. Inspection and
service should also be done anytime a malfunction is
suspected.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.At Each Stop For Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
• Check the windshield washer solvent, and add if re-
quired.
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.
302 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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.
MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:6,000
12,000
18,000
24,000
30,000
36,000
42,000
48,000
54,000
60,000
66,000
72,000
78,000
84,000
90,000
96,000
102,000
108,000 114,000
120,000
126,000
132,000
138,000
144,000
150,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138 144 150
Or Kilometers:
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000 110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
160,000
170,000
180,000
190,000
200,000
210,000
220,000
230,000
240,000
250,000
Change the engine oil and en-
gine oil filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings; replace
if necessary. XXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it
occurs before scheduled mainte-
nance. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system. XXXXXXXXXXXX
Change Brake Fluid. * XXXXXX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 303