NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
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 malfunction-
ing operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect 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 cool-
ant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in appearance,
the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled with fresh engine coolant (antifreeze).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 rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the bottle and radiator.
Inspect the entire system for leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains a considerable amount of sediment,
clean and flush with a reliable cooling system
cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to re-
move all deposits and chemicals. Properly dis-
pose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
263
CAUTION!
•
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may re-
sult in engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. Organic Additive Tech-
nology (OAT) engine coolant is different and
should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze) or any “globally compatible”
coolant (antifreeze). 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 possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not
use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom-
mended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (antifreeze) that allows ex-
tended maintenance intervals. This engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) can be used up to 10 years or
240,000 km before replacement. To prevent
reducing this extended maintenance period, it is
important that you use the same engine coolant
(antifreeze) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for us-
ing Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze).
When adding engine coolant (antifreeze), a mini-
mum solution of 50% recommended MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/240,000 km Formula
OAT (Organic Additive Technology), or equivalent,
in water should be used. Use higher concentra-tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
−34°F (−37°C) are anticipated.
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 corro-
sion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that 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.
NOTE:
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) and will require more frequent cool-
ant changes.
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.
264
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 cool-
ant (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 re-
move the 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 engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is a regulated substance requiring
proper disposal. Check with your local authori-
ties to determine the disposal rules for yourcommunity. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 temperature, 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). Ad-
vise your service attendant of this. 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 ob-
serve vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized 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.
•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.
265
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration 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 nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-spected 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 high brake tempera-
tures, 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 system 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 require-
ments 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.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir sup-
plies fluid to both the brake system and the
clutch release system. The two systems are
separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system
should not require fluid replacement during
the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it
may be a result of a leak in the hydraulic
clutch release system. See your local autho-
rized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
266
Rear Tail/Stop LampsLight is an LED assembly. See your authorized
dealer for replacement.
Rear Turn Signal And Backup
Lamps
1. Remove the two push-pins from the tail lamp
housing.2. Grasp the tail lamp and pull firmly to disen-
gage the lamp from the aperture panel.
3. Twist and remove socket from lamp.
4. Remove bulb from socket and replace.License Lamps
1. Remove the lens cover while holding the tab.
2. Remove the bulb and replace.3.
Install the lens cover (engage it until it snaps
in).
Center High-Mounted StoplampLight is an LED assembly. See your authorized
dealer for replacement.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.6 Gallons 51 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certi-
fied)4.5 Quarts 4.26 Liters
Cooling System *
2.0L and 2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/
Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula
or equivalent)7.2 Quarts 6.8 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
280
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant – 2.0L and 2.4L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic
Additive Technology) that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032, or an
equivalent coolant.
Engine Oil We recommend you use SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Stan-
dard MS-6395 or FCA Material Standard 9.55535–CR1. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR Engine Oil Filters.
Spark Plugs – 2.0L and 2.4L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 2.0L and 2.4L Engine Minimum 91 Research Octane Number (RON), 0-15% Ethanol.
281
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance Schedule — Gasoline
Engine
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in
this manual must be done at the times or
mileages specified to protect your vehicle war-
ranty and ensure the best vehicle performance
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.
The oil change indicator system will remind you
that it is time to take your vehicle in for sched-
uled maintenance.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “CHANgE
OIL” will flash in the instrument cluster odom-
eter and a single chime will sound, indicating
that an oil change is necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illuminate
approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km) after the
most recent oil change was performed. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within 500 miles (800 km). However, an earlieroil change at 4,500 miles (7,500 km) may be
required if the vehicle is operated under “Se-
vere Duty Conditions” later in this section.
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not
monitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle’s oil if it has been 12
months since your last oil change even if
the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you
drive your vehicle off-road for an ex-
tended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil
change. If this scheduled oil change is per-
formed by someone other than your dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Instrument ClusterDescription/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip
•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 required.
•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.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir,
automatic transmission, brake master cylin-
der and power steering and fill as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for
correct operation.
284
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze). . . .264
Adding Fuel..................212
Adding Washer Fluid.............261
Additives, Fuel................211
Adjust
Down....................89
Forward...................89
Rearward..................89
Up......................89
AirBag.....................38
Advance Front Air Bag..........38
Air Bag Operation.............39
Air Bag Warning Light...........44
Enhanced Accident Response......43
Event Data Recorder (EDR).......45
Front Air Bag................38
If A Deployment Occurs..........43
Knee Impact Bolsters...........40
Maintaining Your Air Bag System.....45
Side Air Bags...............40
Transporting Pets.............57
Air Bag Deployment..............38
Air Bag Light.............44, 59, 123
Air Bag Maintenance.............45
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter)....................258
Air Conditioner Maintenance........259Air Conditioning................150
Air Conditioning Controls..........150
Air Conditioning Filter.........158, 260
Air Conditioning Refrigerant......259, 260
Air Conditioning System.....150, 153, 259
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips. . . .157, 159
Air Pressure, Tires..............196
Alarm (Security Alarm)............125
Alarm System (Security Alarm)......14, 15
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle.......8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......187
Anti-Lock Warning Light...........133
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......263, 280
Capacities................280
Disposal..................265
Appearance Care...............271
Assist, Hill Start................189
Automatic Dimming Mirror..........65
Automatic Door Locks.............22
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . .153
Automatic Transaxle..............12
Fluid Level Check.........268, 269
Automatic Transmission . .168, 169, 267, 268
Autostick.................176
Fluid And Filter Changes........269
Fluid Type.............267, 268
Gear Ranges............170, 174Special Additives..........268, 269
Autostick.................176, 177
Battery..................127, 258
Charging System Light.........127
Keyless Transmitter Replacement
(RKE)...................18
Belts, Seat...................59
Body Mechanism Lubrication........261
Brake Assist System.............189
Brake Fluid..................282
Brake System..............186, 266
Master Cylinder.............266
Parking..................185
Warning Light..............124
Brake, Parking................185
Brake/Transmission Interlock........169
Brakes.....................186
Bulb Replacement..............279
Bulbs, Light................60, 279
Calibration, Compass............144
Camera, Rear.................104
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . .280
Capacities, Fluid...............280
Caps, Filler
Fuel....................212
318