engine coolant DODGE CARAVAN 2008 5.G User Guide

WARNING!
²The 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.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used 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 yourcommunity. 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 cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459
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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 (a
few kilometers) 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 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.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check 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.
²If 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.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
All Engines20 Gals 76 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.3L and 3.8L (SAE 5W-20 API Certified) 5.0 Qts 4.7 L
4.0L (SAE 10W-30 API Certified) 5.5 Qts 5.2 L
Cooling System
3
3.3L, 3.8L and 4.0L (Use MopartAntifreeze/Coolant Five Year/
100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent.)13.4 Qts 12.6 L
3Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater
486 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Ð ENGINE
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) or equivalent
Oil ± 3.3L, 3.8L Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil ± 4.0L Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for correct SAE
grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter ± 3.3L, 3.8L Mopart4105409 or equivalent
Oil Filter ± 4.0L Mopar 5281090 or equivalent. Refer to your oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Spark Plugs ± 3.3L, 3.8L,
4.0LZFR5LP-13G (Gap.050 in / 1.27 mm)
Fuel ± 3.3L, 3.8L 87 Octane
Fuel ± 4.0L 87 Octane Acceptable Ð 89 Recommended
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 487
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²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. ² 90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the ignition cables on 3.3L, 3.8L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the spark plugs on 3.3L, 3.8L, 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 4.0L engines. 102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace Accessory Drive Belt(s). 120,000 200 000 120
² This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions
warranty.
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 458
Adding Fuel........................... 382
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 455
Additives, Fuel......................... 380
Adjustable Pedals....................... 177
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 445
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 450
Air Conditioning........................ 301
Air Conditioning Controls................. 301
Air Conditioning Filter.................320,451
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 319
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone.............307,314
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 450
Air Conditioning System.............301,309,450
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 305
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 358
Airbag..............................66,74
Airbag Deployment....................... 75
Airbag Light...................67,73,77,94,233Airbag Maintenance....................... 76
Airbag, Side........................68,72,74
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........70,72,74
Alarm Light........................... 233
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 366
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 288
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........457,458,486
Disposal............................ 459
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 338
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............227,339
Anti-Theft System........................ 18
Appearance Care........................ 467
Ashtray............................... 201
Assistance Towing....................... 117
Audio Systems (Radio).................280,283
Auto Down Power Windows................ 39
Auto Up Power Windows................40,194
508 INDEX

Brakes.............................337,462
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 482
Bulbs, Light............................ 481
Calibration, Compass..................240,246
Capacities, Fluid........................ 486
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 382
Oil (Engine).......................434,443
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 458
Car Washes............................ 468
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 381
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 215
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 214
Catalytic Converter...................... 446
Caution, Exhaust Gas.................51,95,381CD (Compact Disc) Player...............280,283
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 300
Cellular Phone.................104,283,284,299
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 485
Chains, Tire............................ 367
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 412
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 350
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............232,438
Child Restraint........................81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 86
Child Safety Locks........................ 46
Child Seat.............................. 88
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 378
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 470
Climate Control......................... 301
Clock........................254,269,281,285
Coat Hook............................ 214
510 INDEX

Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........280,283
Dimmer Control........................ 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 170
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 465
Automatic Transmission................. 466
Oil (Engine).......................... 441
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 428
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 459
Engine Oil........................... 444
Domelight............................. 161
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 185
Drive Belts............................ 445
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 454
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 345Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 346
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 384
Electric Remote Mirrors................102,103
Electrical Power Outlets................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System............. 340
Brake Assist System.................... 341
Electronic Stability Program............... 342
Electronic Range Select (ERS)............... 333
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 179
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 342
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 241
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 425
Overheating.......................... 410
512 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance......438,490
Engine........................93,434,435,436
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 441
Compartment......................435,436
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 487
Cooling............................. 456
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,381
Flooded, Starting...................... 326
Fuel Requirements..................377,486
Oil ...........................441,486,487
Oil Change Interval.................... 442
Oil Disposal.......................... 444
Oil Filler Cap......................434,443
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 444
Oil Selection.......................442,486
Oil Synthetic......................... 444Operation............................ 93
Overheating.......................... 410
Starting............................. 324
Temperature Gauge..................... 226
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 74
Event Data Recorder...................... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution..............51,95,381,448
Exhaust System......................... 447
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 66
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 102
Fabric Care.........................470,471
Filler Location Fuel...................... 226
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 445
Air Conditioning....................320,451
Engine Oil........................444,487
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 444
INDEX 513
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