cooling DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G User Guide

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 to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) may
result in engine damage and may decrease corro-
sion protection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system in
an emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the engine cool-
ant (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.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 below 34°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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the 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 Engine 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.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled/deionized water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine, which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs mayresult in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
“Brake 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, the 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 the system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Reverse this procedure for installation.
Fog Lamps
1. Disconnect connector from the fog lamp by raising the
wire harness lock tab and pulling on wire harness
connector.2. Rotate the bulb 1/4-turn counterclockwise and pull to
remove from the fog lamp housing.
3. Reverse procedure to install.
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.
Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 22 Gallons83 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
4.7L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 6 Quarts5.7 Liters
Cooling System (Includes 2.1 Quarts/2 Liters for
Coolant Bottle)
3.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 13.3 Quarts
12.5 Liters
4.7L Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 13.3 Quarts
12.5 Liters
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401

Changing A Flat Tire..................... 335
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 276
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 358
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 76
Checks, Safety ........................... 76
Child Restraint ...................... 63,64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............67,72
Child Seat .............................. 69
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 384
Climate Control ......................... 238
Clock ........................... 194,212,221
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 237
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 288
Compass ........................... 151,152
Compass Calibration ..................... 152
Compass Variance ....................... 152
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 147 Console, Floor
.......................... 165
Console, Overhead ....................... 146
Contract, Service ........................ 425
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 374
Cooling System ......................... 371
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 373
Coolant Capacity ..................... 401
Coolant Level .................... 371,375
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 374
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 372
Inspection .......................... 375
Points to Remember .................. 375
Pressure Cap ........................ 374
Radiator Cap ....................... 374
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....372,401,402
Temperature Gauge ................... 179
Crates Rear Convenience Storage .............. 163
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 143
434 INDEX

Tire Safety Information.................... 275
Tires ............................ 80,284,429
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 291
Air Pressure ........................ 284
Chains ............................ 293
Changing .......................... 335
Compact Spare ...................... 288
General Information .................. 284
High Speed ......................... 286
Inflation Pressures .................... 285
Life of Tires ........................ 291
Load Capacity .................... 280,281
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 296
Pressure Warning Light ................ 189
Quality Grading ..................... 429
Radial ............................ 287
Replacement ........................ 292
Rotation ........................... 295
Safety .......................... 275,284Sizes
............................. 276
Snow Tires ......................... 295
Spare Tire .......................... 337
Spinning ........................... 290
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 290
Wheel Nut Torque .................... 344
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 320
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 257
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 351
Towing ............................... 314
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 102
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 352
Guide ............................. 320
Recreational ........................ 328
Weight ............................ 320
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 264
Trailer Towing .......................... 314
Cooling System Tips .................. 327
446 INDEX