engine coolant DODGE CARAVAN 2005 4.G User Guide

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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.
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
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or childrendo 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 recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine cold, the level of the coolant in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the
“MAX”and“MIN”marks. The radiator normally re-
mains completely full, so there is no need to remove the
radiator cap except for checking coolant freeze point or
replacement with new antifreeze coolant. Your service
attendant should be advised of this. So long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recov-
ery bottle need only be checked once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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When additional coolant is needed to maintain 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 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 recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
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, also.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

License Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws.2. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace the bulb and
reattach the lens assembly.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 87
Octane20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula)11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)†13.4 qts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
†* Add 2.9 quarts (2.8 liters) if equipped with a rear heater.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
2.4 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
3.3/3.8 Liter Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter 2.4 liter engines Mopar 4105409 or equiv.
Oil Filter 3.3/3.8 liter engines Mopar 5281090 or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 reservoir, 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.
428 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 93, 000 96, 000 99, 000 100, 000 102, 000 105, 000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate Tires X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. *XXXXX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter*X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines.X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary.X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, replace if necessary.‡X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months or 100,000 miles.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
SCHEDULE“B”437
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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]
Check thePCV valveand replace, if neces-
sary.*X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter
and 3.8 liter engines, 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
442 SCHEDULE“A”
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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]
Replace thespark plugs3.3 liter and 3.8 liter en-
gines.X
Replace theignition cables3.3 liter and 3.8 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
444 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]
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
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
446 SCHEDULE“A”
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Adding Fuel........................... 334
Adding Washer Fluid..................286,392
Additives, Fuel......................... 332
Adjustable Pedals....................... 146
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 388
Air Conditioning.....................262,267
Air Conditioning Controls................. 262
Air Conditioning Filter.................284,389
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 284
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............270,279
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 388
Air Conditioning System..........262,267,272,388
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 263
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 317
Airbag................................ 53
Airbag Deployment....................... 65
Airbag Light...................57,58,68,84,199
Airbag Maintenance....................... 67
Airbag, Window......................... 54Alarm Light........................... 200
Alarm System........................... 27
Alignment and Balance................... 324
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 257
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........395,396,421
Disposal............................ 397
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 303
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 199
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 27
Appearance Care........................ 406
Arming Theft System...................... 27
Ashtray............................... 171
Auto Down Power Windows................ 40
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 92
Automatic Door Locks...................19,20
Automatic Headlights.................... 136
Automatic Temperature Control............. 272
Automatic Transaxle...................... 297
458 INDEX