coolant temperature DODGE DAKOTA 2007 3.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher 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), and increase engine speed
for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, seek authorized service immediately.
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 gauge 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
136 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.
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.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 137
4

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.
138 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don’t open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radia-
tor is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for anyaccumulation 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
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in 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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant 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.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant 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
engine damage may result.
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. To prevent ingestion by animals or childrendo not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
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 coolant 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
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
7

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.
•Heavy Loading
•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 (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 353
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M
A
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N
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E
N
A
N
C
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S
C
H
E
D
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L
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)...... 311,345,346
Temperature Gauge..................... 136
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............... 99
CupHolder ............................ 123
Customer Assistance..................... 370
Data Recorder, Event...................... 56
Daytime Running Lights................... 93
Dealer Service.......................... 296
Defroster, Rear Window................... 124
Defroster, Windshield................... 73,177
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 97
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 293
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 210
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 137
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 318
Oil (Engine).......................... 297
Power Steering........................ 306Disarming, Theft System................... 18
Disc Brakes............................ 316
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 313
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 110
DriveBelts ............................ 301
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 307
E-85 Fuel............................. 245
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 119
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....... 99
Emergency, In Case of
FreeingVehicleWhenStuck ............... 217
Jacking............................. 278
Tow Hooks.......................... 285
Towing ............................. 286
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 350
INDEX 381
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Emission Related Components.............. 315
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Block Heater......................... 189
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 346
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 72,242
Flooded, Starting...................... 188
Fuel Requirements..................... 345
Jump Starting......................... 283
Oil ...........................297,345,346
Oil Filler Cap......................... 299
Oil Selection.......................... 345
Oil Synthetic......................... 300
Starting............................. 187
Temperature Gauge..................... 136
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 270
Event Data Recorder...................... 56Exhaust Gas Caution................ 72,242,309
Exhaust System....................... 72,309
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 43
ExteriorLighting ......................... 92
Fabric Care............................ 325
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Engine Fuel.......................... 302
Engine Oil........................300,346
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 300
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 272
Turn Signal...................... 94,136,338
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 282
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 247
Engine Oil........................... 246
Fuel Requirements..................... 245
382 INDEX

Maintenance.......................... 247
Replacement Parts..................... 247
Starting............................. 246
Flooded Engine Starting................... 188
Floor Console.......................... 121
Fluid, Brake........................... 347
Fluid Capacities......................... 345
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 318
Brake............................... 316
Engine Oil........................... 297
Power Steering........................ 306
Transfer Case......................... 321
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 346
Fog Lights........................... 93,345
Four Wheel Drive....................... 199
Operation........................... 199
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 272
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 217FrontAxle(Differential) ................... 322
Fuel................................. 238
Adding............................. 243
Filter ............................... 302
Gauge.............................. 136
Octane Rating......................238,346
Requirements......................238,345
Tank Capacity........................ 345
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling ............................... 243
Fuses................................ 327
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 110
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............244,293
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 136
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 238
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 239
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 136
INDEX 383
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