cooling DODGE AVENGER 2011 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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

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 below 34°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.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

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.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

License Plate Lamp
1. Remove two retaining screws holding the light lens in
place.2. Gently pry the lamp assembly loose.
3. Pull bulb from socket, replace and reattach the lamp
assembly with the two retaining screws.
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
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System*
2.4L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 7.7 Quarts
7.3 Liters
3.6L 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.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Contract, Service........................ 465
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 418
Cooling System ......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 417
Coolant Capacity ..................... 442
Coolant Level .................... 416,419
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 416
Inspection .......................... 419
Points to Remember .................. 420
Pressure Cap ........................ 418
Radiator Cap ....................... 418
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....417,442,443
Corrosion Protection ..................... 426
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 195
Cupholders ...................... 146,175,432
Customer Assistance ..................... 463
Customer Programmable Features ............ 212Data Recorder, Event
...................... 71
Daytime Running Lights ................... 152
Dealer Service .......................... 402
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 181
Defroster, Windshield ................86,271,277
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...............30,155
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 399
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 151
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ...............425,426
Oil (Engine) ........................ 403
Power Steering ...................... 303
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 391
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 419
Engine Oil ......................... 406
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 162
10
INDEX 475

DrivingOn Slippery Surfaces .................. 300
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 301
E-85 Fuel ............................. 350
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 181
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 95
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 171
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 159
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 312
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 203
Emergency Trunk Release .................39,40
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 374
Jump Starting ....................... 384
Towing ............................ 391
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 400Engine
............................... 397
Air Cleaner ......................... 407
Block Heater ........................ 291
Break-In Recommendations .............. 83
Checking Oil Level ................... 403
Compartment ....................... 398
Compartment Identification ............. 398
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 416,443
Cooling ........................... 416
Exhaust Gas Caution ................85,350
Fails to Start ........................ 289
Flooded, Starting ..................... 289
Fuel Requirements ................. 346,442
Jump Starting ....................... 384
Oil ......................... 403,442,443
Oil Change Interval .............194,206,404
Oil Filler Cap .................... 397,405
Oil Filter ........................... 406
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 406
476 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 442
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............425,426
Brake .......................... 421,444
Cooling System ...................... 416
Engine Oil ......................... 403
Power Steering ................... 303,444
Fluids ................................ 443
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 443
Fog Lights ....................... 151,197,440
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 145,146
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 389
Fuel ................................. 346
Adding ........................... 354
Additives .......................... 348
Clean Air .......................... 346
Ethanol ........................... 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............188,354Filler Door (Gas Cap)
.................. 188
Gasoline ........................... 346
Gauge ............................ 188
Light ............................. 189
Materials Added ..................... 348
Methanol .......................... 347
Octane Rating .................... 346,443
Requirements .................... 346,442
Tank Capacity ....................... 442
Fuel System Caution ..................... 355
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 350
Fueling ............................... 354
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 162
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............354,356,399
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 346
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 346
478 INDEX