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.The image on the coolant system pres-
sure cap is a reminder that the radiator
contains hot engine coolant under pres-
sure.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. 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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
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 animals 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 imme-
diately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the
“MIN” and “MAX” marks.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point
or replacing coolant. 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, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 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 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 pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• 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.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!(Continued)
•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.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid level with the vehicle on flat ground and
engine cold. Fluid should be between MIN and MAX
references on the reservoir body.
The level may go over the MAX line when oil is hot.
If topping off is required, make sure the oil you use is
approved. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”
in the section for further information.
WARNING!
Because it is flammable, do not allow the power
steering fluid to come into contact with hot engine
parts
NOTE: Power steering fluid consumption is very low. If
you need to top off your fluid often and multiple times
have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
NOTE: No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’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 Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
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
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check
your transmission fluid level using special service tools. If
you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the transmis-
sion fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe transmission dam-
age.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life
of the vehicle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
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 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 irregular
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,
lines 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 319
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............290
Additives, Fuel ........................... .228
AirBag ..................................38 Air Bag Operation .........................40
Driver Knee Air Bag .......................40
Enhanced Accident Response ................271
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................271
If A Deployment Occurs ....................44
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................40
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............47
Transporting Pets .........................66
Air Bag Light .......................... .68, 132
Air Bag Maintenance .........................47
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......282
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................283
Air Conditioning Filter ...................... .167
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............166, 168
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............283, 284
Air Conditioning System .....................283
Air Filter ............................... .282
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................211
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................14
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................14
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................289, 313 Disposal
.............................. .291
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................194
Appearance Care .......................... .296
Ashtray ................................ .106
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .159
Auto Down Power Windows ...................22
Automatic Transaxle ......................11,178
Automatic Transmission ...............181, 182, 295
Adding Fluid ....................... .295, 316
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................295
Fluid Change .......................... .295
Fluid Level Check .....................294, 295
Fluid Type ......................... .294, 316
Special Additives ........................ .295
Auto
Up Power Windows .....................22
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........104
Axle Lubrication .......................... .316
Battery .............................. .133, 282
Charging System Light ....................133
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................16
Belts, Seat .................................68
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................285
B-Pillar Location .......................... .206
330 INDEX
Brake Assist System........................ .195
Brake Fluid .............................. .316
Brake, Parking ............................ .192
Brake System ......................... .194, 293
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................ .194
Fluid Check ........................ .293, 316
Master Cylinder ........................ .293
Parking .............................. .192
Warning Light .......................... .135
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................182
Bulb Replacement ...................... .307, 308
Bulbs, Light ........................... .71, 307
Camera, Rear ............................ .103
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .313
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .229
Oil (Engine) ........................ .275, 281
Power Steering ......................... .191
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................291
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................68, 229
Cargo Tie-Downs .......................... .109
Car Washes .............................. .296
Cellular Phone ........................... .160
Certification Label ......................... .230Chains, Tire
............................. .219
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .202
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .277
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................67
Checks, Safety .............................67
Child Restraint .............................48
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................52
Child Restraints ..........................48
Child Seat Installation ......................61
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........58
Infants And Child Restraints .................50
Locating The LATCH Anchorages ..............56
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........54
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........51
Seating Positions ..........................
53
Cigar Lighter ............................ .106
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .226
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .297
Climate Control ........................... .161
Manual ............................... .161
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .178
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .214
Contract, Service .......................... .32610
INDEX 331
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck .................266
Jump Starting .......................... .263
Towing ............................... .268
Emission Control System Maintenance ............277
Engine ................................. .275
Air Cleaner ............................ .282
Block Heater ........................... .180
Break-In Recommendations ..................66
Checking Oil Level ...................... .279
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .314
Cooling .............................. .288
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................68, 229
Fails To Start ........................... .179
Flooded, Starting ........................ .179
Fuel Requirements ....................... .226
Jump Starting .......................... .263
Oil ........................... .279, 313, 314
Oil Filler Cap ....................... .275, 281
Oil Filter .............................. .282
Oil Selection ........................ .280, 313
Oil Synthetic ........................... .281
Overheating ........................... .244
Starting .............................. .178
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .281Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
....................281
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............271
Ethanol ................................. .226
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................68, 229
Exhaust System ........................ .68, 286
Exterior Lights .............................71
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .282
Air Conditioning ........................ .167
Engine Oil ......................... .282, 314
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .281
Flashers Hazar
d Warning ........................ .244
Turn Signal ......................... .71, 144
Flash-To-Pass ..............................88
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .179
Fluid, Brake ............................. .316
Fluid Capacities ........................... .313
Fluid Leaks ...............................71
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .293
Engine Oil ............................ .279
Power Steering ......................... .191
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............314
10
INDEX 333