
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE267
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant 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 an authorized
dealer.
Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an 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 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 surfaces.
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,
clean up any ground spills immediately. If ingested,
seek emergency assistance immediately.
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.
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.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
8
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268SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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. For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú page 250.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced, or
immediately if the Brake System Warning Light is
on. If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top
of the master cylinder area before removing cap.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall
as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be
checked when pads are replaced. If the brake fluid
is abnormally low, check the system for leaks. For
further information Ú page 307.
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.
WARNING!
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid Úpage 307. Using the wrong type
of brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. 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
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep
the master cylinder reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in an open container
absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
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 contam -
inate the brake fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial or
complete brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING!
23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 268

313
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 302Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control).................................... 115, 117Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 266Adding Fuel.................................................... 135Additives, Fuel............................................... 304AdjustDown........................................................... 34Forward....................................................... 34Rearward..................................................... 34Up................................................................ 34Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 201Air Bag Warning Light...................... 199, 201Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 205Enhanced Accident Response......... 209, 248Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 248Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 208Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 205Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 210Maintenance............................................. 210Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............200Side Air Bags............................................. 206Transporting Pets...................................... 225
Air Bag Light.................................. 88, 199, 226
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)... 257
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 258Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 258, 259Air Conditioner System................................. 258Air ConditioningRear............................................................. 58Air Conditioning Filter.................... 60, 257, 259Air Conditioning System................................... 59Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 60Air Filter........................................................ 257Air PressureTires......................................................... 289AlarmArm The System................................... 20, 21Disarm The System..................................... 20Rearm The System...................................... 21Security Alarm............................................. 91Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel Drive (AWD)................................... 108Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 266, 306Disposal................................................... 267Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 177
Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................91Assist, Hill Start............................................. 181Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 153Auto Down Power Windows..............................69Automatic Headlights.......................................47Automatic High Beams.....................................47Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............59Automatic Transmission......................... 98, 104Adding Fluid.............................................. 269Fluid And Filter Change............................. 269Fluid Change............................................. 269Fluid Level Check...................................... 269Fluid Type........................................ 269, 307Special Additives...................................... 269Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 107Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 183Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........65Auxiliary Power Outlet......................................65Axle Fluid....................................................... 307
B
Battery................................................... 89, 255Charging System Light.................................89Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................14Battery Saver Feature......................................49Belts, Seat.................................................... 226
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