check engine JEEP LIBERTY 2007 KJ / 1.G Owner's Manual

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
“DaimlerChrysler Dealership.”
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
NOTE:Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal, and does not in
any way damage the steering system.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
antifreeze/coolant) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.
WARNING!
Commercial windshield washer solvents are flam-
mable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must
be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the hood, don’t 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.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser
(if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown on the appropriate “Maintenance
Schedule” the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.If the coolant solution is dirty or contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner (see your authorized dealer for
recommendations). Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of
old antifreeze/coolant solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended antifreeze/
coolant, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct antifreeze/coolant type.
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
antifreeze/coolant 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
HOAT antifreeze/coolant in open containers, or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the antifreeze/coolant level
is adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the antifreeze/coolant
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking forantifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Ad-
vise 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 antifreeze/coolant is needed to main-
tain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
recovery 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 nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
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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 recovery bottle.
•Check antifreeze/coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent antifreeze/coolant additions are required,
or if the level in the recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant/anti-freeze concentration to
50% HOAT engine coolant/anti-freeze (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. Also, 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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
Only
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
The front axle has a threaded “fill plug” on the cover
plate, and a threaded “drain plug” on the bottom side of
the carrier.
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be 1/2(1 cm) below the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
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To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70° F (21°
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Off-road or desert driving
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow “Schedule B” of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant/anti-freeze every 102,000
miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first,
and follow “Schedule B” of the “Maintenance Schedules”
section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule “B.”
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule “B.”Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy 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, add as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 371
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