coolant level DODGE CARAVAN 2010 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Fuel Door ReminderThe arrow in this symbol is a reminder that the
Fuel Filler Door is located on the left side of the
vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads
“H“, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately, and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.4
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Rear Mode Control
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Headliner ModeAir comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
Bi-Level Mode Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets. Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
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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 replace-
ment. To prevent reducing this extended maintenance
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 the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery bottle.
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The 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 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 Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules 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
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.
When additional 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 (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 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 the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, 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.
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•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, also 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 coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
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
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
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2. Twist and remove the socket from the lamp assembly
and pull the bulb out to remove.3. Push the bulb into the socket, twist the socket into the
lamp assembly and reinstall the lamp assembly into place
ensuring the locking tab is secure.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.
Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 20 Gallons76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.3L and 3.8L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
4.0L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.3L, 3.8L, and 4.0L Engine (MOPAR Engine Coolant/
Antifreeze 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 13.4 Quarts
12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater.
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Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S484 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ConnectorUCI ................................ 283
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 283
Console .............................. 208
Console, Floor .......................... 208
Console, Overhead ....................... 183
Console, Removable ...................... 212
Contract, Service ........................ 503
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 451
Cooling System ......................... 449
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 451
Coolant Capacity ...................... 477
Coolant Level ...................... 449,452
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 452
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 450
Inspection ........................... 452
Points to Remember .................... 453
Pressure Cap ......................... 451
Radiator Cap ......................... 451 Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)
......450,477,478
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 168
Cupholders ......................... 199,464
Customer Assistance ..................... 501
Daytime Running Lights ................... 159
Dealer Service .......................... 436
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 213
Defroster, Windshield ...............102,300,310
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 433
Dimmer Control ........................ 156
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................. 457
Oil (Engine) .......................... 437
Power Steering ........................ 335
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 426
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INDEX 513
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DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 452
Engine Oil ........................... 440
Domelight ............................. 156
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 186
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 332
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 293
E-85 Fuel ............................. 377
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 112
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 195
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 341
Brake Assist System .................... 342
Electronic Stability Program ............... 343Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 168
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 343
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 181,244
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 406
Jacking ........................... 407,410
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Overheating .......................... 406
Emission Control System Maintenance ......434,482
Engine ............................ 431,432
Air Cleaner .......................... 440
Block Heater ......................... 323
Break-In Recommendations ................ 99
Checking Oil Level ..................... 437
Compartment ...................... 431,432
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 478
Cooling ............................. 449
Exhaust Gas Caution ...............51,100,377
514 INDEX
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