cooling DODGE INTREPID 2004 2.G User Guide

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key 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.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant 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 radiator and condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules (5
years/100,000 miles), the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and 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.
Engine Coolant Disposal
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. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts section for the correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.Higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) may be used if
temperatures below -37°F (-38°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
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.
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 reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
7

WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated 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.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With theengine Off and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the MIN and MAX cold fill lines.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
190 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles 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 accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
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 bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol and high quality water with recom-
mended antifreeze for proper corrosion protection of
your engine cooling system that contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
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 engine cooling performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 191
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SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE ALL
Oil Filter Mopar 5281090 or equivalent
Thermostat 180°F (82°C)
Spark Plug See Underhood Label
Spark Plug Gap See Underhood Label
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)17 Gallons 64 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.7 & 3.5 Liter Engine 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System*
2.7 Liter Engine 10.5 Qts 10 Liters
3.5 Liter Engine 11 Qts 10.5 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Washing............................ 198
Waxing............................. 198
Wheels............................. 199
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 186
Climate Control........................ 114
Clock................................. 93
Coat Hook............................. 52
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 113
Compact Disc Player...................93,98
Compact Spare Tire..................... 139
Compass.............................. 79
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Overhead....................... 70
Contract, Service....................... 230
Cooling System........................ 188
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 189
Coolant Level........................ 190
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 188
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 188
Inspection........................... 188
Points to Remember................... 191
Pressure Cap........................ 189
Radiator Cap........................ 189Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 191
Selection of Coolant................... 189
Corrosion Protection.................... 197
Courtesy Lights......................... 61
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 180
Cruise Light........................... 89
Cup Holder............................ 52
Customer Assistance.................... 228
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 171
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 117
Defroster, Windshield...............48,116,120
Diagnostic System, Onboard.............90,169
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 163
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 188
Engine Oil.......................... 177
Door Ajar Light......................... 89
Door Locks........................14,15,16
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
240 INDEX

Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 178
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 184
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 161
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 129
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency Flashers..................... 152
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 170,180,212
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Block Heater......................... 129
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 172
Compartment.....................167,168
Cooling..........................89,188
Fails to Start......................... 128
Oil ..............................88,172
Oil Change Interval................... 174
Oil Selection......................... 175
Oil Synthetic......................... 177Overheating.......................89,152
Specifications........................ 208
Timing Belt.......................... 180
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,187
Exhaust System........................ 187
Exterior Lights.......................62,204
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Automatic Transaxle................... 197
Engine Fuel......................... 180
Engine Oil.......................... 178
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flat Tire Changing...................... 153
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 208
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fog Lights............................. 63
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 162
Fuel...............................88,143
Adding............................. 146
INDEX 241
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