cooling DODGE DAKOTA 2006 3.G User Guide

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 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.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
7

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 (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L HO (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
NOTE: All fluid capacities are approximate capacities.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
7

Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 350
Center Seat Storage Compartment ............ 143
Certification Label ....................... 258
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 284
Charging .............................. 293
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 231
Child Restraint ........................ 57,59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............60,65
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 37
Child Seat .............................. 62
Circuit Breakers ......................... 337
Climate Control ......................... 189
Clock ........................... 159,162,170
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 188
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 242
Compass .............................. 129
Compass Calibration ..................... 129
Compass Variance ....................... 130
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 126 Console, Floor
.......................... 142
Console, Overhead ....................... 125
Contract, Service ........................ 384
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 256
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................... 324
Coolant Pressure Cap ..................... 323
Cooling System ......................... 320
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 323
Coolant Capacity ...................... 355
Coolant Level ......................... 324
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 321
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 321
Inspection ........................... 320
Points to Remember .................... 324
Radiator Cap ......................... 323
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......322,355,356
Temperature Gauge ..................... 152
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 121
Cup Holder ............................ 144
392 INDEX

Block Heater......................... 203
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
Compartment ......................... 303
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 322,356
Cooling ............................. 320
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 71,256
Fails to Start .......................... 202
Flooded, Starting ...................... 202
Fuel Requirements ..................... 355
Jump Starting ......................... 293
Oil ........................... 307,355,356
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 310
Oil Selection .......................... 355
Oil Synthetic ......................... 311
Overheating .......................... 323
Starting ............................. 201
Temperature Gauge ..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 14
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 279 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
................. 322
Event Data Recorder ...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution ................71,256,320
Exhaust System ....................... 71,320
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 39
Exterior Lighting ........................ 115
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 313
Engine Fuel .......................... 313
Engine Oil ........................ 31 1,356
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 311
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 282
Turn Signal ..................... 1 17,152,348
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 293
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 202
Floor Console .......................... 142
Fluid, Brake ........................... 357
394 INDEX

Fluid Capacities......................... 355
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Brake ............................... 326
Cooling System ....................... 320
Engine Oil ........................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Transfer Case ......................... 331
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 356
Fog Lights .......................... 1 16,354
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 211
Operation ............................ 211
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 229
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 332
Fuel ................................. 250
Adding ............................. 253
Filter ............................... 313
Gauge .............................. 152 Octane Rating
...................... 250,356
Requirements ...................... 250,355
Tank Capacity ........................ 355
Fueling ............................... 253
Fuses ................................ 337
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............254,304
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 152
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 250
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 251
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 152
Fuel ................................ 152
Odometer ......................... 155,156
Speedometer ......................... 154
Tachometer .......................... 155
Gear Ranges ........................... 204
Glass Cleaning .......................... 336
INDEX 395
10

Chains.............................. 247
Changing ............................ 284
Compact Spare ........................ 242
General Information .................... 238
High Speed .......................... 240
Inflation Pressures ..................... 239
Jacking ............................. 288
Life of Tires .......................... 245
Load Capacity ..................... 234,235
Quality Grading ....................... 387
Radial .............................. 241
Replacement ......................... 245
Rotation ............................. 249
Safety ........................... 230,238
Sizes ............................... 231
Snow Tires ........................... 249
Spare Tire ........................... 286
Spinning ............................ 243
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 244 Wheel Mounting
....................... 288
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 291
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 265
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 208
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 296
Towing ............................... 261
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 297
Guide .............................. 265
Recreational .......................... 273
Weight .............................. 265
Traction .............................. 278
Trailer Towing .......................... 261
Cooling System Tips .................... 272
Hitches ............................. 264
Minimum Requirements ................. 266
Mirrors ............................. 272
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 265
Wiring .............................. 269
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 265
404 INDEX