engine coolant DODGE DAKOTA 2011 3.G User Guide

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.
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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

Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) level is adequate. With the engine cold, the level
of the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing
the engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service at-
tendant of this. As long as the engine operating tempera-
ture is satisfactory, the coolant recovery bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant recovery bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375

•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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 3.7L Engine ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Spark Plugs – 4.7L Engine Upper Bank — FR8TE2 (Gap 0.039 in [0.99 mm]) Lower Bank —
FR8T1332 (Gap 0.051 in [1.30 mm])
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 407

72,000 Miles (117,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
72,000 miles (117 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid,
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
80,000 Miles (130,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
80,000 miles (130 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months or 104,000 miles (169 000 km)
whichever comes first.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 413

104,000 Miles (169,000 km) or
78 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
104,000 miles (169 000 km).
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at
104,000 miles (169 000 km) or 60 months
whichever comes first.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
112,000 Miles (182,000 km) or 84 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
112,000 miles (182 000 km).
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 373
Adding Fuel ........................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 363
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 366
Air Conditioning ........................ 238
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............366,367
Air Conditioning System ................238,366
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........238,241
Air Filter .............................. 363
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 285
Airbag ........................... 51,58,190
Airbag Deployment ....................... 59
Airbag Light ........................ 57,61,78
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 60
Airbag, Side .......................... 55,58
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........54,55,58
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................18,181
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................208,232
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 273
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 181
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ..................... 18,181
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............372,401
Disposal ........................... 374
Appearance Care ........................ 382
Assistance Towing ....................... 102
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 31
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 86
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 29
Automatic Transaxle .................... 12,252
Interlock System ...................... 15
Automatic Transmission .............249,253,378
Adding Fluid ....................... 379
Fluid Level Check .................... 379
Fluid Type ......................... 403
432 INDEX