engine coolant DODGE CARAVAN 2006 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.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle 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 for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
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When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) 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 vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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 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 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.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 or equivalent)11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent)†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 443
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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) or equivalent
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 4105409AB 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
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
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.
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.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449
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•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.
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 93, 000 96, 000 99, 000 102, 000 105, 000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000)
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 neces-
sary. *XXXX
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, re-
place 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. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
458 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 42, 000 48, 000 54, 000 60, 000 66, 000 72, 000
(Kilometers) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000) (120 000)
[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 or 100,000 miles, whichever comes
first.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
SCHEDULE“A”465
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Miles 78, 000 84, 000 90, 000 96, 000 100, 000
(Kilometers) (130 000) (140 000) (150 000) (160 000) (165 000)
[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 60 months
or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
SCHEDULE“A”467
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Miles 102, 000 108, 000 114, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (170 000) (180 000) (190 000) (200 000)
[Months] [102] [108] [114] [120]
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter
engines, replace if necessary.‡XX
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter engines only. 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”469
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