cooling DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2007 User Guide

Cooling System
WARNING!• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• 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 radiator 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 any
accumulation 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.434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution 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 old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type. CAUTION!Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced 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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
7

Adding Engine 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.436 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 children
do 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.
Engine 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

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.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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 coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
• If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
• Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket and reattach the
CHMSL.
License Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws. 2. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace the bulb and
reattach the lens assembly.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel 20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula or equivalent) 11.4 qts 10.7 Liters
3.3 & 3.8 Liter Engines (Mopar  Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) † 13.4 qts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
† * Add 2.9 quarts (2.8 liters) if equipped with a rear heater. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
7

Compass Variance ....................... 170
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 171
Console, Overhead ....................... 167
Console, Removable ................... 193,194
Contract, Service ........................ 488
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 436
Cooling System ......................... 434
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 436
Coolant Capacity ...................... 461
Coolant Level ...................... 434,437
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 437
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 435
Inspection ........................... 437
Points to Remember .................... 438
Pressure Cap ......................... 436
Radiator Cap ......................... 436
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ...... 435,461,462
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 164
Cruise Light ........................... 219 Cup Holder ......................... 187,450
Customer Assistance ..................... 486
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 73
Daytime Running Lights ................... 153
Dealer Service .......................... 419
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 304
Defroster, Windshield ................ 90,283,295
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 416
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 259
Dimmer Control ........................ 152
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission ................. 444
Oil (Engine) .......................... 420
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 437
Engine Oil ........................... 423
Domelight ............................. 152 INDEX 499
10

Door Ajar Light ......................... 213
Door Locks ............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 177
Drive Belts ............................ 423
Drive Shaft Universal Joints ................ 431
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces .................... 326
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 259
E-85 Fuel ............................. 360
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 98
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 185
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 164
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 172
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 384
Jacking ........................ 386,387,399
Jump Starting ......................... 405 Overheating .......................... 385
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 417,466
Engine ............................ 414,415
Air Cleaner .......................... 425
Air Cleaner Filter ...................... 424
Block Heater ......................... 315
Break-In Recommendations ................ 88
Checking Oil Level ..................... 420
Compartment ...................... 414,415
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 462
Cooling ............................. 434
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 43,356
Flooded, Starting ...................... 313
Fuel Requirements .................. 353,461
Oil ........................... 420,461,462
Oil Change Interval .................... 421
Oil Disposal .......................... 423
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 422
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 423500 INDEX

Load Capacity ..................... 332,333
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 347
Quality Grading ....................... 491
Radial .............................. 339
Replacement ......................... 343
Rotation ............................. 346
Safety ........................... 327,336
Sizes ............................... 328
Snow Tires ........................... 346
Spare Tire ......................... 389,400
Spinning ............................ 341
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 342
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 374
Towing ............................... 367
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 408
Guide .............................. 372
Recreational ....................... 382,410
Weight .............................. 372
Traction Control ................... 158,218,324 Traction Control Switch ................. 158,324
Trailer Towing .......................... 367
Cooling System Tips .................... 382
Hitches ............................. 371
Minimum Requirements ................. 376
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 374
Wiring .............................. 380
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 372
Trailer Weight .......................... 372
Transaxle ............................. 315
Automatic ......................... 12,315
Operation ........................... 315
Overdrive ........................... 318
Selection of Lubricant ................ 443,463
Transmission ........................... 442
Automatic ........................... 442
Filter ............................... 445
Fluid ............................ 443,463512 INDEX