engine coolant DODGE CARAVAN 2007 4.G User Guide
Page 437 of 520
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 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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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.
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.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 461 of 520
4. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket and reattach the
CHMSL.
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 CAPACITIESU.S. Metric
Fuel 20 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 (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (Mopar Antifreeze/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 461
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Page 462 of 520
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Mopar Antifreeze/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
462 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 468 of 520
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, power steering and transmission and
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.
468 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. XXXX X
Rotate Tires XX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if neces-
sary. XXXX
Replace the engine 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
Replace the engine timing belt
on 2.4 liter engines
only.X
Inspect the serpentine drive belt on 3.3 liter and 3.8
liter engines, replace if necessary. ‡ X
Replace the spark plugs & ignition cables
on 3.3
liter and 3.8 liter engines.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
SCHEDULE “B” 475
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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]
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 102,000 miles, whichever comes
first. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XXX
480 SCHEDULE “A”
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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]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXX
Rotate Tires XXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary. XXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Check the PCV valve and replace, if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs & ignition cables on 2.4 liter
engines. X
Replace the spark plugs & ignition cables 3.3 liter and
3.8 liter engines. X
Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done at 60
months. X
Replace the engine timing belt on 2.4 liter engines only. X
482 SCHEDULE “A”
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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
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months, if not
done at 102,000 miles. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XX
‡ 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.
SCHEDULE “A” 483
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Adding Fuel........................... 357
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 303,432
Additives, Fuel ......................... 355
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 163
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 428
Air Conditioning ..................... 278,284
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 278
Air Conditioning Filter .................301,429
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 301
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .............286,296
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 428
Air Conditioning System ..........278,284,289,428
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 279
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 337
Airbag ................................ 57
Airbag Deployment ....................... 69
Airbag Light ................... 62,63,72,90,214
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 71
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 58 Alarm Light
........................... 216
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 344
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 274
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........435,436,461
Disposal ............................ 437
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 321
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 214
Anti-Theft System ........................ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 446
Ashtray ............................... 188
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 96
Automatic Door Locks ................... 29,30
Automatic Headlights .................... 153
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 289
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,315
Interlock System ..................... 15,316
496 INDEX