coolant temperature DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position. (See page 245
for more information.)
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines
will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or
when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the “H” mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral) increase engine
speed for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does
not return to normal, seek authorized service immedi-
ately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
152 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile. (See page 118 for more information.)
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads 1/8
of a tank or less. There is a pointer on the side of
this symbol that indicates the side that your fuel
filler door is located.
5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to “buckle
up.” This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer. (See page 32 for more information.)7. Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
8. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift into N
(Neutral) and increase the engine speed for 2 to 3
minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, seek authorized service immediately.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 153
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CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the if the light remains on, turn
the engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
9. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
10. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
11. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
154 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is located at the right front
of the engine compartment for all engine applications.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 349
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Schedule “B”
Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
352 SCHEDULE “B”
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Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 338
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 142
Certification Label....................... 252
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 274
Charging.............................. 283
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 226
Child Restraint........................59,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............62,67
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 38
Child Seat.............................. 64
Circuit Breakers......................... 328
Climate Control......................... 184
Clock................................ 160
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 183
Compact Spare Tire...................... 237
Compass.............................. 131
Compass Calibration..................... 131
Compass Variance....................... 132
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 127Console, Floor.......................... 141
Console, Overhead....................... 126
Contract, Service........................ 370
Converter, Catalytic...................... 251
Coolant............................... 315
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 315
Cooling System......................... 312
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 314
Coolant Capacity...................... 343
Coolant Level......................... 315
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 313
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 313
Inspection........................... 312
Points to Remember.................... 316
Radiator Cap......................... 315
Selection of Coolant...............313,343,344
Temperature Gauge..................... 152
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 123
Cup Holder............................ 143
378 INDEX

Block Heater......................... 198
Break-In Recommendations................ 72
Compartment......................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze).................313,344
Cooling............................. 312
Exhaust Gas Caution..................73,250
Fails to Start.......................... 197
Flooded, Starting...................... 197
Fuel Requirements..................... 343
Jump Starting......................... 283
Oil ...........................298,343,344
Oil Filler Cap......................... 301
Oil Selection.......................... 343
Oil Synthetic......................... 301
Overheating.......................... 315
Starting............................. 196
Temperature Gauge..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 15
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 269Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 313
Event Data Recorder...................... 57
Exhaust Gas Caution................73,250,312
Exhaust System.......................73,311
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 40
Exterior Lighting........................ 116
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
Engine Fuel.......................... 304
Engine Oil........................302,344
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 302
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 272
Turn Signal..................... 118,152,336
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 283
Flooded Engine Starting................... 197
Floor Console.......................... 141
Fluid, Brake........................... 345
380 INDEX