engine coolant DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2009 5.G User Guide

CAUTION! (Continued)
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.
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 102,000 miles (170 000 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), a minimum
solution of 50% recommended MOPARt
Antifreeze/
Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology), or equivalent, in water
should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed
70%) if temperatures below 34°F (37°C ) are antici-
pated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453 7

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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that 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 pre-
caution. 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
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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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, 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 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455 7

engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents
of the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
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 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 may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESU.S.
Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 20 Gallons76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.3L and 3.8L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
4.0L Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.3L, 3.8L, and 4.0L Engine (MOPARt Engine Coolant/
Antifreeze 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.4 Quarts
12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
EngineComponent
Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARt
Antifreeze/Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
(Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
Engine Oil (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements
of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade
Engine Oil Filter MOPARtEngine Oil Filter or equivalent
Spark Plugs (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) RE14PLP5 (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Spark Plugs (4.0L Engine) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (3.3L and 3.8L Engines) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (4.0L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable — 89 Recommended
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481 7

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, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transaxle and add as needed.
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the brake hoses and lines. CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule

Change the
engine oil and engine oil filter.
Rotate tires.
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
Replace the air conditioning filter.
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km). Odometer Reading
Date Repair Order #
Dealer Code Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer 66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months
Maintenance
Service Schedule
Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
Rotate tires. Odometer Reading
Date Repair Order #
Dealer Code Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 491
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule

Change the
engine oil and engine oil filter.
Rotate tires.
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter, replace if necessary.
Replace the air conditioning filter.
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
Inspect the CV Joints.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals, replace if necessary. Odometer Reading
Date Repair Order #
Dealer Code Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer 102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months
Maintenance
Service Schedule
Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
Rotate tires.
Replace the ignition cables (3.3L and
3.8L engines).
Replace the spark plugs (3.3L, 3.8L,
and 4.0L engines).
Replace the timing belt (4.0L engine).
Flush and replace the engine coolant if
not done at 60 months. Odometer Reading
Date Repair Order #
Dealer Code Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer494 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . . 453
Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Adjustable Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 442
Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Air Conditioning Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Air Conditioning Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324,448
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311,319
Air Conditioning Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Air Conditioning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305,314,446
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control . . . . . . . . 310
Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,70
Airbag Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Airbag Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,69,73,93,249Airbag Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Airbag, Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68,70
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) . . . . . . . . . . . 65,68,70
Alarm Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Alarm (Security Alarm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) . . . . . . . . . . . 452,453,480
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Anti-Lock Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Anti-Theft System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Assistance Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Auto Down Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Auto Up Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38,210
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,33
Automatic Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
512 INDEX