radiator DODGE AVENGER 2008 User Guide

² Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!² The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº 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 scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
² Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
7

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.
Coolant Level
4 Cylinder Engines Ð the coolant bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant level is
adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the ªADDº and ªFULLº lines,
shown on the bottle. 6 Cylinder Engines Ð the level of the coolant in the
pressurized coolant bottle should be between the
ªCOLDº and ªFULLº range on the bottle when the
engine is cold.
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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
² Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
² 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.
² 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. ² Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
² Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
² Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
² 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 coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

Bulbs, Light ............................ 411
Calibration, Compass ..................... 186
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 420
Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................ 328
Oil (Engine) .................. 368,369,370,377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 391
Car Washes ............................ 401
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 323
Cargo Area Features ...................... 160
Cargo Compartment ...................... 160
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 160
Catalytic Converter ...................... 379
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 78
CD (Compact Disc) Player ............... 220,223
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 241 Cellular Phone .................. 89,223,224,241
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 418
Chains, Tire ............................ 309
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 350
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 292
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 372
Child Restraint .................... 67,69,73,76
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............. 71,73
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Cigar Lighter ........................... 155
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 320
Cleaning
Wheels ............................. 402
Windshield Wiper Blades ................. 386
Climate Control ......................... 242
Clock ........................ 194,206,221,225
Coin Holder ........................... 156
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 241446 INDEX

Compact Spare Tire ...................... 303
Compass .............................. 186
Compass Calibration ..................... 186
Compass Variance ....................... 187
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,184
Connector
UCI ................................ 227
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 227
Console ............................ 127,156
Console, Floor ....................... 127,156
Contract, Service ........................ 437
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 379
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 391
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 161
Cooling System ......................... 388
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 390
Coolant Capacity ...................... 420
Coolant Level ...................... 389,392
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 392 Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 389
Inspection ........................... 392
Points to Remember .................... 392
Pressure Cap ......................... 391
Radiator Cap ......................... 391
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...... 389,420,422
Corrosion Protection ..................... 400
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 174
Cup Holder ...................... 127,158,405
Customer Assistance ..................... 435
Customer Programmable Features ............ 188
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 65
Dealer Service .......................... 374
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 256
Defroster, Windshield ............. 80,244,250,251
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 136
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 371 INDEX 447
10

Paint Care ............................. 400
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 276
Passing Light ........................... 131
Personal Settings ........................ 188
Pets .................................. 77
Phone, Cellular .................... 89,223,224
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ) ........ 89,223,224
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 295
Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ............. 220,223
USB ............................. 220,223
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 406
Door Locks ........................... 32
Mirrors .............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 153
Seats ............................... 123
Steering ............................. 287 Steering, Checking ..................... 385
Sunroof ............................. 150
Windows ............................. 35
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 385
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 50
Preparation for Jacking .................... 352
Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. 48
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 188
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 302
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 391
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 191
Radio, Navigation ....................... 223
Radio Operation ................... 221,224,241
Radio Remote Controls .................... 236
Radio, Satellite .............. 220,221,223,224,231456 INDEX