226SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Coolant Level
The coolant 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 ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so
there is no need to remove the radiator/coolant
pressure cap unless checking for engine coolant
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 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.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters 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 (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 needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro
-
sion 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 neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú page 210.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
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
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to
the top of the “FULL” mark on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it
may cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the
requirements described on the brake fluid
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 temperatures, excessive
lining wear, and possible brake damage. You
would not have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
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INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 263
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control)..100
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 225Adding Fuel.................................................... 118Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 216Additives, Fuel............................................... 265AdjustForward....................................................... 32Rearward..................................................... 32Air Bag........................................................... 168Advance Front Air Bag............................... 168Air Bag Operation...................................... 170Air Bag Warning Light................................ 168Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 170Enhanced Accident Response......... 174, 209Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 209Front Air Bag............................................. 168If Deployment Occurs................................ 173Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 170Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 175Maintenance............................................. 175Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............168Side Air Bags............................................. 170Transporting Pets...................................... 189
Air Bag Light.................................. 77, 168, 190
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)... 218
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 218Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 218, 219Air Conditioner System...........................52, 218Air Conditioning Filter..............................55, 219Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 55Air Filter........................................................ 218Air PressureTires......................................................... 250AlarmArm The System................................... 19, 20Rearm The System...................................... 20Security Alarm............................... 19, 20, 79Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 19All Wheel DriveTowing...................................................... 209All Wheel Drive (AWD)................................... 228Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 224, 267Disposal................................................... 225Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 145Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 79
Arming SystemSecurity Alarm.............................................19Assist, Hill Start............................................. 150Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 128Auto Down Power Windows..............................62Automatic Door Locks......................................25Automatic Headlights.......................................46Automatic High Beams.....................................45Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............54Automatic Transmission...................................92Adding Fluid..................................... 228, 269Fluid And Filter Change............................. 228Fluid Change............................................. 228Fluid Level Check...................................... 227Fluid Type........................................ 228, 269Special Additives...................................... 227
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode...25, 95
AutoPark..........................................................87AutostickOperation.....................................................96AUX Cord..........................................................58Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........60AWDTowing...................................................... 209Axle Fluid....................................................... 269Axle Lubrication............................................ 269
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