COOLING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS................ 1
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLERÐ
2.4L................................. 3
COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM (CRS)....... 3
COOLANT.............................. 3
COOLING SYSTEM....................... 2
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER.................. 5
ENGINE THERMOSTAT.................... 3
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP................ 4
RADIATOR............................. 3
WATER PUMPS......................... 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
COOLANT PERFORMANCE................. 6
RADIATOR HOSES AND CLAMPS........... 6
WATER PIPESÐ3.0L ENGINE.............. 6
WATER PUMPÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES.......... 7
WATER PUMPÐ2.4L ENGINE.............. 6
WATER PUMPÐ3.0L ENGINE.............. 6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT.................. 7
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS............. 8
DEAERATION.......................... 16
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TEST.............. 14
LOW COOLANT LEVEL AERATION.......... 15
PRESSURE TESTING RADIATOR CAP....... 15
RADIATOR CAP TO FILLER NECK SEAL
PRESSURE RELIEF CHECK.............. 15
RADIATOR COOLANT FLOW TEST.......... 14
RADIATOR FAN CONTROL................ 14
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION........ 16
TESTING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS.... 14
SERVICE PROCEDURES
COOLANT LEVEL CHECKÐROUTINE........ 16
COOLANT LEVEL SERVICE................ 16COOLANTÐADDING ADDITIONAL.......... 16
COOLING SYSTEMÐDRAINING............ 16
COOLING SYSTEMÐREFILLING........... 16
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTSÐ2.4L.......... 23
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTSÐ3.0L.......... 24
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTÐ3.3/3.8L........ 24
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER................. 23
FAN MODULE.......................... 22
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK.................. 21
RADIATOR............................ 21
THERMOSTATÐ2.4L ENGINE............. 19
THERMOSTATÐ3.0L ENGINE............. 20
THERMOSTATÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES......... 20
WATER PUMP INLET TUBEÐ2.4L ENGINE . . . 17
WATER PUMPÐ3.3/3.8L ENGINES......... 19
WATER PUMPÐ2.4L ENGINE............ 17
WATER PUMPÐ3.0L ENGINE............. 18
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT................. 25
CHEMICAL CLEANING................... 25
COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING............. 25
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP............... 25
REVERSE FLUSHING THE ENGINE......... 25
REVERSE FLUSHING THE RADIATOR....... 25
WATER PUMP......................... 24
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION CHART................... 26
BELT TENSION GAUGE METHOD........... 26
PROPER BELT TENSION................. 25
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY............. 26
TORQUE CHART........................ 26
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING............................. 26
GENERAL INFORMATION
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS
The accessory drive system utilizes two different
style of drive belts. The conventional V-belt and the
Poly-V belt are used to drive the generator, air con-
ditioning compressor, power steering pump and waterpump. Satisfactory performance of these belts
depends on belt condition and proper belt tension.
Belt tensioning should be performed with the aid of a
Burroughs gauge Special Tool C-4162. Because of
space limitations in the engine compartment, the use
of the gauge may be restricted. Raise the vehicle on a
hoist and then remove the splash shield to gain
access to the drive belts.
NSCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 1
ties to keep the engine satisfactorily cooled (Fig. 5),
(Fig. 6), (Fig. 7) and (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Plastic tanks, while stronger then brass
are subject to damage by impact, such as wrenches
etc., or by excessive torque on hose clamps.
If the plastic tank is damaged, replace the radia-
tor.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
The radiator is equipped with a pressure cap that
releases excessive cooling system pressure; maintain-
ing a range of 97-124 kPa (14-18 psi).
The cooling system will operate at higher than
atmospheric pressure. The higher pressure raises thecoolant boiling point thus, allowing increased radia-
tor cooling capacity.
There is also a vent valve in the center of the cap.
This valve also opens when coolant is cooling and
contracting allowing coolant to return to radiator
from coolant reserve system tank by vacuum through
connecting hose.If valve is stuck shut, or the
coolant recovery hose is pinched, the radiator
hoses will be collapsed on cool down. Clean the
vent valve (Fig. 9) and inspect coolant recovery
hose routing, to ensure proper sealing when
boiling point is reached.
The gasket in the cap seals the filler neck, so that
vacuum can be maintained, allowing coolant to be
drawn back into the radiator from the reserve tank.
Fig. 5 Cooling ModuleÐ2.4L
Fig. 6 Cooling ModuleÐTrailer Tow (With Rear A/C)
7 - 4 COOLING SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
at running operating temperature the high pressure
inlet tank runs full and the low pressure outlet tank
drops:
²Transmission oil will become hotter.
²High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
²Air in the coolant can cause loss of flow through
the heater.
²Exhaust gas leaks into the coolant also can
cause the same problems.
DEAERATION
Air can only be removed from the system by gath-
ering under the pressure cap. On the next heat up it
will be pushed past the pressure cap into the CRS
tank by thermal expansion of the coolant. It then
escapes to the atmosphere in the CRS tank and is
replaced with solid coolant on cool down.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION
At idle with Air Conditioning off the temperature
gauge will rise slowly to about 5/8 gauge travel, the
fan will come on and the gauge will quickly drop to
about 1/2 gauge travel. This is normal.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
COOLANT LEVEL CHECKÐROUTINE
Do not remove radiator cap for routine cool-
ant level inspections.
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without
removing the radiator cap.With the engine cold
and not running,simply observe the level of the
coolant in the reserve tank (Fig. 3). The coolant level
should be between the minimum and maximum
marks.
COOLANTÐADDING ADDITIONAL
The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain this
level, it should be added to the coolant reserve tank.
Use only 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol type antifreeze
and water.
CAUTION: Do not use well water, or suspect water
supply in cooling system. A 50/50 ethylene glycol
and distilled water mix is recommended.
COOLANT LEVEL SERVICE
The cooling system is closed and designed to main-
tain coolant level to the top of the radiator.
When servicing requires a coolant level check in
the radiator, the engine must beoffandnotunder
pressure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the
radiator draincock while observing the CoolantRecovery System (CRS) Tank. Coolant level in the
CRS tank should drop slightly. Then remove the radi-
ator cap. The radiator should be full to the top. If
not, and the coolant level in the CRS tank is at the
MIN mark there is an air leak in the CRS system.
Check hose or hose connections to the CRS tank,
radiator filler neck or the pressure cap seal to the
radiator filler neck for leaks.
COOLING SYSTEMÐDRAINING
Without removing radiator pressure cap and
with system not under pressure,shut engine off
and open draincock. The coolant reserve tank should
empty first, then remove radiator pressure cap. (if
not, see Testing Cooling System for leaks). To vent
2.4L engine remove the coolant temperature sensor
located above water outlet housing (Fig. 15). The 3.0/
3.3/3.8L engines have an air bleed vent on the ther-
mostat.
Removal of a sensor is required because the ther-
mostat does not have an air vent. Sensor removal
allows an air bleed for coolant to drain from the
engine block.
COOLING SYSTEMÐREFILLING
First clean system to remove old coolant, see Cool-
ing System Cleaning.
Fill the system, using the correct antifreeze as
described in the Coolant Section. Fill the system to
50 percent of its capacity with 100 percent glycol.
Then complete filling system with water. The 2.4L
engine requires venting by removal of the coolant
sensor on top of the water outlet connector (Fig. 15).
When coolant reaches this hole:
²Install coolant sensor and tighten to 7 N´m (60
in. lbs.) for 2.4L Engines.
Fig. 15 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ2.4L Engine
Drain/Fill
7 - 16 COOLING SYSTEMNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
and the remove the splash shield to gain access to
the drive belts.
BELT TENSION GAUGE METHOD
Use belt tensioning Special Tool Kit C-4162 for:
CAUTION: The Burroughs gauge for the Poly-V
belt is not to be used on the V-belt. These gauges
are not interchangeable.
²For conventional V-belts affix the Burroughs
gauge (Special Tool C-4162) to the belt. Adjust the
belt tension for New or Used belt as prescribed in the
Belt Tension Chart.
²For a Poly-V belt affix the Poly-V Burroughs
gauge to the belt and then apply specified tension to
the belt as prescribed in the Belt Tension Chart
Adjust belt tension for aNeworUsedbelt as pre-
scribed in the Belt Tension Chart.
BELT TENSION CHARTSPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY
TORQUE CHART
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Thermostat Housing
BoltsÐ2.4L & 3.3/3.8L......28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
BoltsÐ3.0L...............12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
Water Pump Mounting
BoltsÐ2.4L & 3.3/3.8L......12N´m(250 in. lbs.)
BoltsÐ3.0L...............27N´m(240 in. lbs.)
Water Pump Inlet Tube
BoltsÐ2.4L...............12N´m(250 in. lbs.)
BoltsÐ3.0L................11N´m(94in.lbs.)
Water Pump Pulley
BoltsÐ3.3/3.8L............28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Transaxle Oil Cooler Hose
ClampsÐAll Engines.........2N´m(18in.lbs.)
Radiator Mounting Upper Bracket
NutÐAll Engines..........12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING
ACCESSORY DRIVE
BELTGAUGE
2.4L ENGINE
A/C COMPRESSOR /
GENERATORNEW 190 LB.
USED 115 LB.
POWER STEERING NEW 140 LB.
USED 90 LB.
3.0L ENGINE
A/C COMPRESSOR NEW 150 LB.
USED 80 LB.
GENERATOR / POWER
STEERINGDYNAMIC TENSIONER
3.3/3.8L ENGINES
A/C COMPRESSOR DYNAMIC TENSIONER
GENERATOR / WATER
PUMP / POWER
STEERINGDYNAMIC TENSIONER
Engine Standard Duty Trailer Tow or
Heavy Duty
Front
HeaterRear
HeaterFront
HeaterRear
Heater
2.4L 10.6
liters*
(11.23
qts.)*N/A N/A N/A
3.0L 12.3
liters*
(13.0
qts.)*N/A N/A 15.0
liters*
(15.9
qts.)*
3.3/3.8L 12.5
liters*15.26
liters*12.5
liters*15.26
liters*
(13.23
qts.)*(16.13
qts.)*(13.23
qts.)*(16.13
qts)*
*Includes Heater and Coolant Recovery Tank Filled to
Max Level.
Belt Tension Gauge C-4162
7 - 26 COOLING SYSTEMNS
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)
COOLING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
COOLANT PRESSURE BOTTLE............ 1
COOLING SYSTEM Ð 2.0L GASOLINE...... 1
COOLING SYSTEM Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL..... 1
LOW COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR........... 1
RADIATOR............................ 2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER............ 6
BELT TENSION......................... 5
COOLANT PERFORMANCE............... 5
PRESSURE/VENT CAP................... 4
THERMOSTAT OPERATION............... 4
THERMOSTAT......................... 6
WATER PUMP......................... 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT........... 7
DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM............. 7
REFILLING COOLING SYSTEM............ 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ENGINE THERMOSTATÐ 2.0L GASOLINE . . . 9GENERATOR/POWER STEERING BELT Ð 2.5L
VM DIESEL......................... 10
RADIATOR Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL........... 9
THERMOSTAT Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL......... 9
WATER PUMP BELT Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL . . . 10
WATER PUMP Ð 2.0L GASOLINE......... 7
WATER PUMP Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL........ 8
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
WATER PUMP........................ 10
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION CHART................. 11
BELT TENSION GAUGE METHOD......... 11
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY............ 12
TORQUE CHART...................... 12
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING............................ 12
GENERAL INFORMATION
COOLING SYSTEM Ð 2.0L GASOLINE
The 2.0L gasoline engine cooling system consists of
an engine cooling module, thermostat, coolant, a
water pump to circulate the coolant. The engine cool-
ing module may consist of a radiator, electric fan
motors, fan, shroud, coolant reserve system, hoses,
clamps, air condition condenser.
²When the Engine is cold: The thermostat is
closed; the cooling system has no flow through the
radiator. The coolant flows through the engine,
heater system and bypass.
²When the Engine is warm: Thermostat is open;
the cooling system has flow through radiator, engine,
heater system and bypass.
COOLING SYSTEM Ð 2.5L VM DIESEL
The cooling system has a radiator, coolant, electric
fan motors, shroud, pressure cap, thermostat, coolant
pressure bottle, hoses, a water pump to circulate the
coolant, to complete the circuit. Coolant flow for the
VM diesel engine is shown in (Fig. 1).
COOLANT PRESSURE BOTTLE
2.5L VM DIESEL
This system works with the pressure cap to use
thermal expansion and contraction of the coolant to
keep the coolant free of trapped air. It provides some
reserve coolant to cover minor leaks and evaporation
or boiling losses. The coolant pressure bottle location
for 2.5L diesel is above the cylinder head cover (Fig.
2).
LOW COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR
The low coolant level sensor checks for low coolant
level in the coolant tank. A signal will be sent from
this sensor to the Body Control Module (BCM). When
the BCM determines low coolant level for 30 contin-
uous seconds, the instrument panel mounted low
coolant level warning lamp will be illuminated. The
sensor is located on the front side of the coolant tank
(Fig. 4). For information, refer to Group 8E, Instru-
ment Panel and Gauges.
If this lamp is illuminated, it indicates the need to
fill the coolant tank and check for leaks.
NS/GSCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 1
THERMOSTAT OPERATION
2.5 VM DIESEL
The engine cooling thermostats are wax pellet
driven, reverse poppet choke type. They are designed
to provide the fastest warm up possible by prevent-
ing leakage through them and to guarantee a mini-
mum engine operating temperature (Fig. 10). The
thermostat has a hole to bleed off air in the cooling
system during engine warm up. The thermostat
begins to open at 80É C62É (176É F64É).
PRESSURE/VENT CAP
WARNING: Engine coolant can reach temperatures
of 200É fahrenheit or greater. If the cooling system
is opened with coolant at a high temperature, hot
coolant can be forced out of the system under high
pressures, causing personal injury. Allow system to
cool down prior to removing the pressure cap.
The pressure/vent cap is secured to the coolant
tank neck by a means of a cam lock system. This cap
releases excess pressure at some point within a
range of 90-117 kPa (13- 17 psi) for gasoline engines,
and 110±124 kPa (16±18 psi) for diesel engines. The
actual pressure relief point (in pounds) is labeled on
top of the cap (Fig. 11).
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap (Fig. 11) contains a
spring-loaded pressure relief valve. This valve opens
when system pressure reaches approximately 103
kPa (15 psi).
When the engine is cooling down, vacuum is
formed within the cooling system. To prevent collapse
of the radiator and coolant hoses from this vacuum, a
vacuum valve is used within the cap. This valve pre-
vents excessive pressure differences from occurring
between the closed cooling system and the atmo-
sphere. If the vacuum valve is stuck shut, the radia-
tor and/or cooling system hoses will collapse on cool-
down.
Fig. 7 Water PumpÐ2.0L Gasoline Engine
Fig. 8 Water PumpÐ2.0L Gasoline Engine
Fig. 9 Water PumpÐ2.5L VM Diesel
Fig. 10 Thermostat and Housing Ð 2.5L VM Diesel
7 - 4 COOLING SYSTEMNS/GS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY
TORQUE CHART
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING
2.0L Gasoline *10.6 liters (11 qts.)
2.5L VM Diesel *10.0 liters (10.6 qts.)
*Includes Heater and Coolant recovery/pressure Tank.
COMPONENT 2.0L
GASOLINE2.5L VM
Thermostat
Cover Bolts105 in-lbs 10.8 N´m (96 in.
lbs.)
Water Pump
Mounting Bolts12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.)22.6 N´m (204
in. lbs.)
Water Pump
Pulley BoltsN/A 27.5 N´m (240
in. lbs.)
Upper Radiator
Mounting
Bracket Bolts12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.)12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.)
Turbocharger
Oil Supply LineN/A 24.5 N´m (215
in. lbs.)
Turbocharger
Oil Return LineN/A 10.8 N´m (96 in.
lbs.)
Water Pump
Housing NutsN/A 9.5 N´m (84 in.
lbs.)
Water Manifold
BoltsN/A 11.2 N´m (96 in.
lbs.)
Coolant Bottle
Bolts2.0 N´m (18 in.
lbs.)10.8 N´m (96 in.
lbs.)
Belt Tension Gauge C-4162
7 - 12 COOLING SYSTEMNS/GS
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
An open circuit voltage no load test shows the
state of charge of a battery and whether it is ready
for a load test at 50 percent of the battery's cold
crank rating. Refer to Battery Load Test. If a battery
has open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, and will not pass the load test, replace the
battery because it is defective. To test open circuit
voltage, perform the following operation.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative cable
first. Battery top, cables and posts should be clean. If
green dot is not visible in indicator, charge the bat-
tery. Refer to Battery Charging Procedures.
(2) Connect a Volt/Ammeter/Load tester to the bat-
tery posts (Fig. 6). Rotate the load control knob of the
Carbon pile rheostat to apply a 300 amp load. Apply
this load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge
from the battery, and return the control knob to off
(Fig. 7).
(3) Allow the battery to stabilize for 2 minutes,
and then verify the open circuit voltage (Fig. 9).
(4) This voltage reading will approximate the state
of charge of the battery. It will not reveal battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Battery Open Circuit
Voltage table.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BATTERY CHARGING
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE
BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CRE-
ATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST
BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BAT-
TERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS
POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BAT-
TERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE
EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND
CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable
first. (Fig. 4) before charging battery to avoid dam-
age to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts
while charging battery. Refer to the instructions
supplied with charging equipment
NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it
must be replaced.
A battery is considered fully charged when it will
meet all the following requirements.
²It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least
12.4 volts.
²It passes the 15 second load test, refer to the
Load Test Temperature chart.
²The built in test indicator dot is GREEN (Fig.
1).
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside of battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator
appears green. Do not overcharge.
It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle
to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.
Fig. 9 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
Open Circuit VoltsCharge Per-
centage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
8A - 6 BATTERYNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)