cooling CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2005 1.G User Guide

Coolant Checks
Coolant protection checks should be made every 12
months (prior to the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the cooling system hoses for brittle rubber, crack-
ing, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate maintenance
schedule, the system should be drained, flushed and
refilled.If the solution is dirty or 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. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
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CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than the specified HOAT
coolant may result in decreased corrosion protec-
tion and engine damage that may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
antifreeze products. Do not use additional rust
inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator coolant and may
plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
of 50% solution of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in
water should be used. Higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) are required 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.
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.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze (minimum) in water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and the front of the A/C
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 cooling performance.
•Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
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, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
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 come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which 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 cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate) 89
Octane23 gallons 87 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
3.5 Liter Engines (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 qts 5.2 liters
Cooling System *
3.5 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula)10.5 qts 9.9 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
7

Catalytic Converter...................... 290
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................60,297
CD Changer......................165,173,175
CD Player..................161,163,165,172,175
CD Player Maintenance................... 193
Cellular Phone........................71,194
Chains, Tire............................ 245
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 264
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 226
Child Restraint.......................... 51
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............52,54
Child Safety Locks........................ 18
Child Seat.............................. 57
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 248
Climate Control......................... 195
Clock................................ 160
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 193
Compact Spare Tire...................... 237
Compass.............................. 157Compass Calibration..................... 158
Compass Variance....................... 158
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 159
Console.............................. 133
Console, Floor.......................... 133
Console, Overhead....................... 122
Contract, Service........................ 352
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 301
Cooling System......................... 298
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 300
Coolant Capacity...................... 325
Coolant Level......................... 302
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 301
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 299
Inspection........................... 298
Points to Remember.................... 302
Pressure Cap......................... 301
Radiator Cap......................... 301
Selection of Coolant...............299,325,326
362 INDEX

Block Heater......................... 212
Break-In Recommendations................ 59
Checking Oil Level..................... 284
Compartment......................... 280
Coolant............................. 326
Cooling............................. 298
Exhaust Gas Caution..................29,251
Fails to Start.......................... 211
Fuel Requirements..................248,325
Oil ...........................284,325,326
Oil Change Interval.................... 286
Oil Selection.......................286,325
Oil Synthetic......................... 288
Overheating.......................... 263
Temperature Gauge..................... 144
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 287
Exhaust Gas Caution..............29,60,251,298
Exhaust System......................... 297
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 41Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 289
Air Conditioning....................204,294
Automatic Transaxle.................... 309
Engine Fuel.......................... 289
Engine Oil........................288,326
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 288
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 262
Turn Signal.....................145,322,324
Floor Console.......................... 133
Fluid Capacities......................... 325
Fluid Leaks............................. 62
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 308
Brake............................... 327
Power Steering.....................294,327
364 INDEX