engine DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
section of this manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled. See your authorized dealer for
proper cooling system maintenance.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, it should be cleaned and flushed.
See your authorized dealer for proper draining, flushing
and refilling of your vehicle’s cooling system.
Disposal of Used Engine 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 your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals andchildren. If ingested, contact a physician or poison con-
trol specialist in your area. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
Recommended Engine Coolant
This vehicle has been factory filled with an Ethylene
Glycol based engine coolant with long life corrosion
inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology). Follow the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
recommended coolant change intervals. Refer to Recom-
mended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
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CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-
HOAT), may result in engine damage and decreased
corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant is intro-
duced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the specified coolant as
soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base anti-
freeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibi-
tors or antirust products, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator coolant and may plug the
radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. 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 deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant 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 coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
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WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant bottle.
The pressure 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
coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap when the system is hot or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle system provides a quick visual method
for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With
the engine idling, and warmed to normal operating
temperature,the level of the coolant on the overflow
bottle should be between the fluid level marks.Check
the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the pressure cap except checking
coolant freeze point or replacement with new antifreeze
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
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coolant. Your service attendant should be advised of this.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
A. Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
B. Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of
coolant bottle also must be protected against freezing.
C. If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant bottle does not drop when the engine
cools, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
D. Maintain a minimum coolant concentration of 50%
ethylene glycol and distilled water.E. Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle over-
flow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
F. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
G. The thermostat should not be changed for summer or
winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid should be checked whenever other underhood
services are performed. The fluid level is checked by
removing the fill plug. If the level of the lubricant is more
than 1/4(6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole
while the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should be
added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
This fluid does not require periodic changing. However,
if it becomes necessary to add or replace the fluid in these
transmissions, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after atleast 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (FUSE/RELAY)
Your vehicle is equipped with an electrical power distri-
bution center located on the left side of the engine
compartment.
Thess power distribution centers house new plug-in
“Maxi” fuses which replace all the in-line fusible links
previously used. The power distribution centers also
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

contain “Mini”fuses and plug-in “ISO” relays. A label
inside the latching cover of the Power Distribution Cen-
ters identifies each component for ease of replacement, if
necessary. These fuses and relays can be obtained from
your dealer.
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
NOTE:If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days you may want to take steps to protect
your battery. You may do this by disconnecting the
battery or by disconnecting the two ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuses located in the Auxiliary Power DistributionCenter (PDC) located in the engine compartment. The
I.O.D. cavities include a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block. Pressing the I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity
reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle’s battery:
•Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The
I.O.D. cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block.
•The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
•As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
3.7L/4.7L, 87 Octane 22 Gal. 83L
4.7L HO, 91 Octane, Recommended Not Required 22 Gal 83L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.7L, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 5 Qt. 4.7L
4.7L, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 6 Qt. 5.7L
4.7L HO, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 6 Qt. 5.7L
Cooling System (includes 2.1 Qts./2L for coolant bottle
3.7L (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L HO (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
NOTE:All fluid capacities are approximate capacities.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) P/N 5011764AB or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 3.7L/4.7L 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection 4.7L HO 91 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method (Recommend, Not Required.)
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE