IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate
action.
•On highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system
and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower
control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine 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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off
until the coolant temperature drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). The digital
warning light may switch on (together with a mes-
sage on the instrument cluster display) to indicate
that the coolant temperature is too high; in this case,
stop the engine and call for service.
180 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
CAUTION!(Continued)
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your vehicle
serviced promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause the
converter to overheat, resulting in possible dam-
age to the converter and vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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 specifi-
cations, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• 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!
• Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan motor
lead before working near the radiator cooling fan.
•
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 open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
(Continued)
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 207
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine coolant
that meets the requirements of FCA Material Stan-
dard MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher con-
centrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34°F ( 37°C) are anticipated. Please contact an
authorized dealer for assistance.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use of lower quality
water will reduce the amount of corrosion protection
in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
• It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing according to the
temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle
is operated.
• 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 a
local authorized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not rec-
ommended and can result in cooling system damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emer-
gency, have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and
refill with OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) 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 expansion bottle/recovery tank if so equipped.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
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.
(Continued)
210 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based 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
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 expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine off and cold, the level of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be
between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfac-
tory, 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
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being va-
porized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot en-
gine 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.
• 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 211
•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 (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section 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 abnor-
mally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear, and possible brake damage. You would not
have your full braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” is on.
Be sure to 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. Fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may
be needed.
212 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.......131
Bulb Replacement ....................... .156
Bulbs, Light ........................ .126, 156
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .........252
Capacities, Fluid ........................ .252
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ...................... .195, 201
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ...............210
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............123, 251
Car Washes ........................... .241
Cellular Phone ......................... .258
Chains, Tire ........................... .237
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... .216
Chart, Tire Sizing ....................... .218
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .78
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .............123
Checks, Safety ......................... .123
Child Restraint ..........................114
Child Restraints Booster Seats .........................118
Child Restraints .......................114
Child Seat Installation ...................120
Infants And Child Restraints ..............116
Older Children And Child Restraints ........117Clean Air Gasoline
...................... .248
Cleaning Wheels ............................ .236
Windshield Wiper Blades .................204
Climate Control ..........................35
Manual ..............................35
Compact Spare Tire ...................... .233
Contract, Service ........................ .262
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................252, 253
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ..........210
Cooling System ......................... .207
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ..............209
Coolant Level ..................... .208, 211
Disposal Of Used Coolant ................211
Drain, Flush, And Refill ..................208
Inspection ...........................211
Points
To Remember ....................211
Pressure Cap ........................ .210
Radiator Cap ........................ .210
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...........208
Corrosion Protection ..................... .240
Cruise Light .............................76
Cupholders .............................50
Customer Assistance ..................... .260
12
INDEX 267
Viscosity........................... .201
Oil Filter, Change ....................... .201
Oil Filter, Selection ...................... .201
Oil Pressure Light .........................70
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................77
Operating Precautions ......................77
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............5
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................28
Overheating, Engine ..................... .180
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,264
Paint Care ............................ .240
Parking Brake .......................... .131
Passing Light ............................31
Pets ................................. .122
Placard, Tire And Loading Information .........222
Power Door Locks ...........................22
Mirrors ..............................29
Windows .............................42
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ..............100
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... .100
Radial Ply Tires ........................ .228Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)
..........210
Radio Frequency General Information ..................17, 20
Radio Operation ........................ .258
Rear Seat, Folding ........................24
Reclining Front Seats ......................25
Recreational Towing ..................... .151
Reformulated Gasoline ....................248
Refrigerant ............................ .203
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................94
Remote Keyless Entry Unlock The Doors ......................15
Replacement Bulbs ...................... .156
Replacement Keys ........................19
Replacement Tires ....................... .231
Reporting Safety Defects ...................263
Restraint, Head ..........................26
Restraints, Child .........................114
Rotation, Tires ......................... .238
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................124
Safety
Checks Outside Vehicle ...............126
Safety Defects, Reporting ...................263
Safety, Exhaust Gas ...................... .123
Safety Information, Tire ....................216
272 INDEX