cooling DODGE AVENGER 2010 2.G User Guide

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at anytime the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367

Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze), may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the engine coolant
(antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant (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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four-Cylinder Engines –
the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine
idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown
on the bottle.
Six-Cylinder Engines – the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the pressurized coolant bottle should be
between the “COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle
when the engine is cold.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. 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 addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of
the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371

•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.
•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, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
All Engines — (Except 2.4L PZEV) 16.9 Gallons64 Liters
2.4L PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 18.5 Gallons70 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 4.5 Quarts4.4 Liters
2.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
3.5L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
2.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 9.8 Quarts
9.3 Liters
3.5L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.6 Quarts
11 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Contract, Service........................ 421
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 369
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 140
Cooling System ......................... 367
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 368
Coolant Capacity ...................... 396
Coolant Level ...................... 367,370
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 370
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 367
Inspection ........................... 370
Points to Remember .................... 371
Pressure Cap ......................... 369
Radiator Cap ......................... 369
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......368,396,397
Corrosion Protection ..................... 377
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 19
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 118
Cruise Light ........................... 157
Cupholders ...................... 104,133,382Customer Assistance
..................... 419
Customer Programmable Features ............ 171
Daytime Running Lights ................... 110
Dealer Service .......................... 353
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 139
Defroster, Windshield ................82,227,233
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 114
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 350
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 109
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ................. 375,376
Oil (Engine) .......................... 354
Power Steering ........................ 259
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 341
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 370
Engine Oil ........................... 357
Door Locks ............................. 29
10
INDEX 431

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 121
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 255
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 256
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 220
E-85 Fuel ............................. 305
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 139
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 90
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 130
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 118
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 269
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 164
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 329
Jump Starting ......................... 335
Towing ............................. 341 Emergency Trunk Release
.................37,38
Emission Control System Maintenance ......351,400
Engine .......................... 347,348,349
Air Cleaner .......................... 358
Block Heater ......................... 246
Break-In Recommendations ................ 79
Checking Oil Level ..................... 354
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 367,397
Cooling ............................. 367
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 81,304
Fails to Start .......................... 244
Flooded, Starting ...................... 244
Fuel Requirements .................. 300,396
Jump Starting ......................... 335
Oil ........................... 354,396,397
Oil Change Interval ............156,166,355,400
Oil Filler Cap ................ 347,348,349,356
Oil Filter ............................ 357
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 357
432 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 375,376
Brake ............................ 372,398
Cooling System ....................... 367
Engine Oil ........................... 354
Power Steering ..................... 259,398
Fluids ................................ 397
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 397
Fog Lights ....................... 1 10,159,391
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 103,104
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 339
Fuel ................................. 300
Adding ............................. 309
Additives ............................ 303
Clean Air ............................ 301
Ethanol ............................. 301
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 150,309
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 150 Gasoline
............................ 300
Gauge .............................. 150
Light ............................... 151
Materials Added ....................... 303
Methanol ............................ 301
Octane Rating ...................... 300,397
Requirements ...................... 300,396
Tank Capacity ........................ 396
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 310
Fueling ............................... 309
Fuses ................................ 383
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 121
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............309,311,350
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 301
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 300
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 301
434 INDEX