hood open JEEP RENEGADE 2023 User Guide

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 299
(Continued)
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However, it
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
syste m
s can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfu n

ctioning 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 specifications, should
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damag
e

:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmis -
sion is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when
diagn os
tic testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather,
where
applicable). If the engine coolant is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh engine
coolant. 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.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
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 damage to the converter and vehicle.

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 open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radi -
ator or coolant bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away
from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is
raised. The fan starts automatically and may
start at any time, whether the engine is
running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the igni -
tion to the OFF mode. The fan is temperature
c ontroll

ed and can start at any time the igni -
tion is in the ON mode.
WARNING!
8

302 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
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.
O ther

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 287.
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.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid
Ú page 345.
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. Riding
the brakes may also reduce braking capacity in
an emergency.WARNING!
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid
Ú page 345. 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.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake
fluids may damage the clutch system resulting in
loss of clutch function and the ability to shift the
transmission.
WARNING!