cooling CHRYSLER CONCORDE 2004 2.G User Guide

Check the front of the radiator and condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedule (5
years/100,000 miles), the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.
Engine Coolant Disposal
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. Do not store ethylene glycol based enginecoolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts section for the correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
7

Higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) may be used if
temperatures below -37°F (-38°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.The 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
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated 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.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the MIN and MAX cold fill lines.
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 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, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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•Maintain coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in Section 8.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)17 Gallons 64 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.7 & 3.5 Liter Engine 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System*
2.7 Liter Engine 10.5 Qts 10 Liters
3.5 Liter Engine 11 Qts 10.5 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil Use API Certified (GF-3). Refer to oil viscosity chart for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine compart-
ment.
Oil Filter MoparOil Filter
Fuel Selection 89 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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Instrument Panel..................... 223
Seat Belts........................... 223
Vinyl.............................. 221
Washing............................ 220
Waxing............................. 221
Wheels............................. 221
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 209
Climate Control........................ 137
Clock................................ 113
Coat Hook............................. 55
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 136
Compact Disc Player................. 114,119
Compact Spare Tire..................... 162
Compass............................94,98
Compass Calibration...................94,98
Compass Variance....................... 95
Computer, Trip/Travel..................93,96
Console, Overhead....................... 75
Contract, Service....................... 254
Cooling System........................ 210
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 211
Coolant Level........................ 213
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 211Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 211
Inspection........................... 210
Points to Remember................... 213
Pressure Cap........................ 212
Radiator Cap........................ 212
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 214
Selection of Coolant................... 211
Corrosion Protection.................... 220
Courtesy Lights......................... 66
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 202
Cruise Light.........................73,110
Cup Holder............................ 55
Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 65
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 193
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 139
Defroster, Windshield...............50,138,143
Diagnostic System, Onboard............ 111,191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 69
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 186
264 INDEX

Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 211
Engine Oil.......................... 199
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................76,81
Drive Belts............................ 200
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 207
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 60
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 185
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 153
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 57
Electronic Speed Control.................. 72
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 176
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 192,202,236
Engine
Backfire............................ 202
Block Heater......................... 153Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 194
Compartment.....................189,190
Cooling.......................... 110,210
Fails to Start......................... 152
Oil .............................109,194
Oil Change Interval................... 197
Oil Selection......................... 198
Oil Synthetic......................... 199
Overheating...................... 110,176
Specifications........................ 232
Timing Belt.......................... 202
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution................49,82,210
Exhaust System........................ 210
Exterior Lights.......................66,227
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 202
Automatic Transaxle................... 219
Engine Fuel......................... 202
Engine Oil.......................... 200
INDEX 265
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