cooling DODGE CARAVAN 2012 User Guide

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 545
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 546
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 546
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 547
 Replacement Parts ..................... 549
 Dealer Service ........................ 549
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 549
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 550 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 552
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 553
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 554
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 556
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 557
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 560
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 560
▫ Cooling System ..................... 562
▫ Brakes ............................ 567
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Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at anytime the ignition
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 the 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 coolant. 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.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
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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) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease corrosion pro-
tection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze)
is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, it should be replaced with the specified
engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator 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.
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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 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before
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.
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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.
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 precaution.
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 pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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
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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
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.
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License Lamp
The license plate lamp is located under the tailgate light
bar and above the license plate.
1. Using a small screwdriver, press inward the locking
tab on the outboard side of the lamp assembly and pull
down on the lamp assembly for removal.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
3.6L Engine (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.6 Liters
Cooling System *
3.6L 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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ConnectorUCI .............................. 346
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 346
Conserving Fuel ........................ 310
Console .............................. 261
Console, Floor .......................... 261
Console, Overhead ....................... 227
Console, Removable ...................... 265
Contract, Service ........................ 613
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 565
Cooling System ......................... 562
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 564
Coolant Capacity ..................... 589
Coolant Level .................... 562,565
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 565
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 563
Inspection .......................... 565
Points to Remember .................. 566 Pressure Cap
........................ 565
Radiator Cap ....................... 565
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....563,589,590
Cupholders ......................... 250,577
Customer Assistance ..................... 611
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 84
Daytime Running Lights ................... 200
Dealer Service .......................... 549
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 269
Defroster, Windshield .................. 101,406
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 546
Dimmer Control ........................ 201
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................ 571
Oil (Engine) ........................ 550
Power Steering ...................... 438
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 539
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DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 565
Engine Oil ......................... 552
Door Locks ............................. 32
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 35
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 231
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 434
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 310
E-85 Fuel ............................. 486
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 425
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 114
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 244
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 443
Brake Assist System ................... 444
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 212Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
............. 445
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 224,300
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 513
Jacking ......................... 514,523
Jump Starting ....................... 532
Overheating ........................ 513
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 547
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 553
Block Heater ........................ 422
Break-In Recommendations .............. 98
Checking Oil Level ................... 550
Compartment ....................... 545
Compartment Identification ............. 545
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 590
Cooling ........................... 562
Exhaust Gas Caution .............51,100,486
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Traction Control......................... 443
Traction Control Switch ................... 443
Trailer Towing .......................... 495
Cooling System Tips .................. 508
Hitches ............................ 500
Minimum Requirements ................ 503
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 502
Wiring ............................ 506
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 501
Trailer Weight .......................... 501
Transaxle Selection of Lubricant ................. 591
Transmission ........................... 569
Automatic ....................... 422,569
Fluid .......................... 570,591
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 231
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 20Transporting Pets
........................ 95
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 468
Trip Odometer .......................... 286
Turn Signals ................... 203,286,587,588
UCI Connector ......................... 346
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 125
Umbrella Holder ........................ 256
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 617
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 346
Universal Transmitter ..................... 231
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 482
Upholstery Care ........................ 574
Vanity Mirrors .......................... 116
Variance, Compass ....................... 314
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 492
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............ 6
Vehicle Loading ................... 458,492,494
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