check engine CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will
return to the coolant bottle from the overflow tank. The
coolant pressure 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 coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant to the cooling system when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
coolant pressure 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 coolant 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 is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
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community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine 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 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 off and cold, the coolant level should be between
the ranges indicated on the bottle. Some darkening of the
coolant bottle will occur over time. This is normal.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. When filling the cooling system, utilize the
bleed valve located on the top of the radiator in the
engine compartment on the passengers side. Use the
bleed valve to bleed air when the system is cold and the
pressure cap is removed from the coolant bottle.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles 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 accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
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 bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder — ABS Brakes Brake Fluid Level
Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
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 require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 305
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Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Wipe the area
around the dipstick clean to eliminate the possibility of
dirt entering the transmission.
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 15 miles (24 km). The fluid cannot be
comfortably held between the finger tips. Cold is when
the fluid is below 80°F (27°C).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
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 Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes 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 and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 331
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Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant bottle, brake master
cylinder and transmission, add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
332 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 75, 000 78, 000 81, 000 84, 000 87, 000 90, 000
(Kilometers) (120 000) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Rotate Tires X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filterXX
Replace thespark plugson 3.5 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front
& Rear)X
Check thePCV valveand replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if
necessary. ‡XX
Change the All Wheel Drive power transfer
unit fluid. (See the note at the end of this
chart.)XX
SCHEDULE “B” 339
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Miles 42, 000 48, 000 54, 000 60, 000 66, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (67 000) (77 000) (86 000) (96 000) (106 000) (115 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X XXXXX
Rotate Tires X XXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXX XX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front
& Rear)X
Check thePCV valve
and replace, if
necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if
necessary. ‡XX
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months, regardless of mileage.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
SCHEDULE “A” 345
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Miles 78, 000 84, 000 90, 000 96, 000 100, 000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (160 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XX XX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front &
Rear)X
Check and replace thePCV valve
, if necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if
necessary. ‡X
Replace thespark plugs
3.5 liter engines.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 100,000
miles, if not done at 60 months.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
346 SCHEDULE “A”
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Miles 102, 000 108, 000 114, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (163 000) (173 000) (182 000) (192 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X
Rotate Tires X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. * X X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace engine timing belt. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. (Front & Rear) X
Check thePCV valve
and replace, if necessary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if necessary. ‡ X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months, if not
done at 100,000 miles (160 000 km).X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE “A” 347
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