2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY oil pressure

OPERATION - HOSE CLAMPS
The spring type hose clamp applies constant ten-
sion on a hose connection. To remove a spring type
hose clamp, use Special Tool 6094 or equivalent, con-
stant tension clamp pliers (Fig. 3) to compress the
hose clamp.
Fig. 2 Cooling System Flow
1 - HEATER - REAR (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 6 - WATER PUMP
2 - HEATER - FRONT 7 - RADIATOR
3 - ENGINE 8 - COOLANT RECOVERY/RESERVE CONTAINER
4 - THERMOSTAT 9 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP VACUUM
5 - ENGINE OIL COOLER (3.3/3.8L OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT) 10 - COOLANT FLOW - PRESSURE CAP RELIEF
Fig. 3 Hose Clamp Tool
1 - HOSE CLAMP TOOL 6094
2 - HOSE CLAMP
7 - 2 COOLINGRS
COOLING (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
LEAK
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS ªDO NOT OPEN
HOTº ON THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP IS A
SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRESSURE
BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PREVENT
SCALDING OR INJURY, THE RADIATOR CAP
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM
IS HOT OR UNDER PRESSURE.
With engine not running, remove radiator pressure
cap and wipe the radiator filler neck sealing seat
clean. The radiator should be full.
Attach the Cooling System Tester 7700 or equiva-
lent to the radiator, as shown in (Fig. 4) and apply
104 kPa (15 psi) pressure. If the pressure drops more
than 13.8 kPa (2 psi) in 2 minutes, inspect all points
for external leaks.
All radiator and heater hoses should be shaken
while at 104 kPa (15 psi), since some leaks occur only
while driving due to engine movement.
If there are no external leaks, after the gauge dial
shows a drop in pressure, detach the tester. Start
engine and run until the thermostat opens, allowing
the coolant to expand. Reattach the cooling system
tester. If the needle on the dial fluctuates it indicates
a combustion leak, usually a head gasket leak.
WARNING: WITH TOOL IN PLACE, PRESSURE WILL
BUILD UP FAST. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP,
BY CONTINUOUS ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BERELEASED TO A SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER
PERMIT PRESSURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
If the needle on the dial does not fluctuate, raise
the engine rpm a few times. If an abnormal amount
of coolant or steam emits from the tailpipe, it may
indicate a coolant leak caused by a faulty head gas-
ket, cracked engine block, or cracked cylinder head.
There may be internal leaks that can be deter-
mined by removing the oil dipstick. If water globules
appear intermixed with the oil it will indicate an
internal leak in the engine. If there is an internal
leak, the engine must be disassembled for repair.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
FLOW
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use the following procedures:
(1) If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Then feel the upper
radiator hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND
UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS
FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(2) Remove pressure cap when engine is cold,
remove small amount of coolant Idle engine until
thermostat opens, you should observe coolant flow
while looking down the filler neck. Once flow is
detected install the pressure cap.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will
equalize in both tanks with engine off. With engine
at running and at operating temperature, the high
pressure inlet tank runs full and the low pressure
outlet tank drops, resulting in cooling system aera-
tion. Aeration will draw air into the water pump
resulting in the following:
²High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
²Loss of coolant flow through the heater core.
²Corrosion in the cooling system.
²Water pump seal may run dry, increasing the
risk of premature seal failure.
²Combustion gas leaks into the coolant can also
cause the above problems.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
DEAERATION
As air is removed from the cooling system, it gath-
ers in the coolant bottle. This pressure is released
into the atmosphere through the pressure valve
located in the pressure cap when pressure reaches 96
Fig. 4 Pressure Testing
RSCOOLING7-3
COOLING (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLANT LEVEL
CHECK
NOTE: 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 recovery/reserve container (Fig. 7). The
coolant level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
Fig. 6 Cooling System Service Locations
1 - COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER 3 - ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
2 - ENGINE OIL FILL CAP 4 - RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
Fig. 7 Coolant Recovery Container
RSCOOLING7-5
COOLING (Continued)
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A refractometer will test the amount of glycol in a
coolant mixture by measuring the amount a beam of
light bends as it passes through the fluid.
Some coolant manufactures use other types of gly-
cols into their coolant formulations. Propylene glycol
is the most common new coolant. However, propylene
glycol based coolants do not provide the same freez-
ing protection and corrosion protection and is not rec-
ommended.
CAUTION: Do not mix types of coolantÐcorrosion
protection will be severely reduced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLANT SERVICE
For engine coolant recommended service schedule,
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAIN-
TENANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION).
COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER
DESCRIPTION
The coolant recovery/reserve system container is
mounted in the engine compartment (Fig. 2). The
container is made of plastic.
OPERATION
The coolant recovery system works with the radia-
tor pressure cap to use thermal expansion and con-
traction of the coolant to keep the coolant free of
trapped air. Provides a convenient and safe method
for checking coolant level and adjusting level at
atmospheric pressure without removing the radiator
pressure cap. It also provides some reserve coolant to
cover deaeration, evaporation, or boiling losses.
Fig. 1 Temperature Gauge Indications
7 - 18 ENGINERS
COOLANT (Continued)
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(3) Remove ignition coil and bracket (Fig. 5).
(4) Disconnect coolant sensor electrical connector
(Fig. 6).
(5) Remove coolant sensor (Fig. 6).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install engine coolant temperature sensor (Fig.
6). Tighten sensor to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(2) Connect electrical connector to sensor (Fig. 6).
(3) Install ignition coil bracket (Fig. 5).
(4) Install ignition coil (Fig. 5).
(5) Install power steering reservoir (Fig. 4).
(6) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
DESCRIPTION
The engine cooling thermostats are a wax pellet
driven, reverse poppet choke type. The thermostat is
mounted in a housing on the coolant outlet of the
engine (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 10).
OPERATION
The engine cooling thermostat is a wax pellet
driven, reverse poppet choke type. The thermostat is
designed to provide the fastest warm up possible by
preventing leakage through it and to guarantee a
minimum engine operating temperature of 88 to
93ÉC (192 to 199ÉF). The thermostat also will auto-
matically reach wide open so it will not restrict flow
to the radiator as temperature of the coolant rises in
hot weather to around 104ÉC (220ÉF). Above this
temperature the coolant temperature is controlled by
the radiator, fan, and ambient temperature, not the
thermostat.
The thermostat is operated by a wax filled con-
tainer (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature, the wax
expands enough to overcome the closing spring and
water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.
Fig. 5 Fuel Rail, Ignition Coil and Bracket
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - BOLT - FUEL RAIL
3 - NUT - IGNITION COIL
4 - BOLT - IGNITION COIL
5 - IGNITION COIL
6 - BRACKET - IGNITION COIL
7 - STUD - IGNITION COIL
8 - SEPARATOR - SPARK PLUG CABLE
9 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
10 - BOLT - SEPARATOR BRACKET
11 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
Fig. 6 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR - ENGINE COOLANT SENSOR
3 - FITTING - HEATER SUPPLY
RSENGINE7-21
ENGINE COOLANT TEMP SENSOR - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
The cooling system pressure cap is located on the
radiator. The cap construction includes; stainless
steel swivel top, rubber seals, and retainer, main
spring, and a spring loaded valve (Fig. 17) .
OPERATION
The cooling system is equipped with a pressure cap
that releases excessive pressure; maintaining a range
of 97-124 kPa (14-18 psi).
The cooling system will operate at higher than
atmospheric pressure. The higher pressure raises the
coolant 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 the coolant to return to cooling
system from coolant reserve system tank by vacuum
through a 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. 17) and inspect cool-
ant 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.
If the gasket is dirty or damaged, a vacuum
may not be achieved, resulting is loss of coolant
and eventual overheating due to low coolant
level in radiator and engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
PRESSURE CAP
Dip the pressure cap in water. Clean any deposits
off the vent valve or its seat and apply cap to end of
the Pressure Cap Test Adaptor that is included with
the Cooling System Tester 7700. Working the
plunger, bring the pressure to 104 kPa (15 psi) on the
gauge. If the pressure cap fails to hold pressure of at
least 97 kPa (14 psi), replace the pressure cap.
CAUTION: The Cooling System Tester Tool is very
sensitive to small air leaks that will not cause cool-
ing system problems. A pressure cap that does not
have a history of coolant loss should not be
replaced just because it leaks slowly when tested
with this tool. Add water to the tool. Turn tool
upside down and recheck pressure cap to confirm
that cap is bad.
If the pressure cap tests properly while positioned
on Cooling System Tester (Fig. 18), but will not hold
pressure or vacuum when positioned on the radiator.
Inspect the radiator filler neck and cap top gasket for
irregularities that may prevent the cap from sealing
properly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR CAP
TO FILLER NECK SEAL
The pressure cap upper gasket (seal) pressure
relief can be checked by removing the overflow hose
at the radiator filler neck nipple (Fig. 19). Attach the
Radiator Pressure Tool to the filler neck nipple and
pump air into the radiator. Pressure cap upper gas-
ket should relieve at 69-124 kPa (10-18 psi) and hold
pressure at 55 kPa (8 psi) minimum.
Fig. 17 Cooling System Pressure Cap Filler Neck
1 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
2 - MAIN SPRING
3 - GASKET RETAINER
4 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
5 - RUBBER SEALS
6 - VENT VALVE
7 - PRESSURE BOTTLE
8 - FILLER NECK
Fig. 18 Testing Cooling System Pressure Cap
1 - PRESSURE CAP
2 - PRESSURE TESTER
7 - 26 ENGINERS
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OPERATION
RADIATOR FAN OPERATION CHART
COOLANT TEMPERATURE A/C PRESSURE TRANSAXLE OIL
TEMPERATURE
Fan
Operation
Speeds:Initial Max Initial Max Initial Max
Fan On: 104ÉC
(220ÉF)110ÉC
(230ÉF) Fan
Speed
Duty-Cycles
(Ramps-up)
from 30% to
99%1,724 Kpa
(250 psi)2,068 Kpa
(300 psi) Fan
Speed
Duty-Cycles
(Ramps-up)
from 30% to
99%96ÉC (204ÉF) 111ÉC (232ÉF)
Fan Speed
Duty Cycles
(Ramps-up)
from 30% to
99%
Fan Off: 101ÉC
(214ÉF)Fan Speed
Duty-Cycles
(Ramps-
down) from
99% to 30%1,710 Kpa
(248 psi)Fan Speed
Duty-Cycles
(Ramps-
down) from
99% to 30%89ÉC (192ÉF) Fan Speed
Duty Cycles
(Ramps-down)
from 99% to
30%
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR FAN
MOTOR
RADIATOR FAN DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY RADIATOR FAN 1. Fan blade loose. 1. Replace fan assembly. (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
FAN - REMOVAL)
2. Fan blade striking a surrounding
object.2. Locate point of fan blade contact
and repair as necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or A/C
condenser.3. Remove obstructions and/or
clean debris.
4. Electric fan motor defective. 4. Replace fan assembly. (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
FAN - REMOVAL)
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR DOES
NOT OPERATE1. Fan relay, powertrain control
module (PCM), coolant temperature
sensor, or wiring defective.1. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Repair as necessary.
2. Defective A/C pressure
transducer.2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Repair as necessary.
ELECTRIC RADIATOR FAN
OPERATES ALL THE TIME1. Fan relay, powertrain control
module (PCM), coolant temperature
sensor or wiring defective.1. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Repair as necessary.
2. Check for low coolant level. 2. Add coolant as necessary.
3. Defective A/C pressure
transducer.3. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Repair as necessary.
7 - 28 ENGINERS
RADIATOR FAN (Continued)
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REMOVAL
There are no repairs to be made to the fan or
shroud assembly. If the fan is warped, cracked, or
otherwise damaged, it must be replaced as an assem-
bly (Fig. 21).
(1) Remove the radiator upper crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING REIN-
FORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the radiator fan electrical connec-
tors.
(3) Remove radiator fan(s) retaining screw (Fig.
21).
(4) Remove the radiator fan(s) by lifting upward to
release from mounts.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the radiator fan(s) into mounts and
attaching clips on the radiator.
(2) Install radiator fan(s) attaching screws (Fig.
21). Tighten to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the radiator fan(s) electrical connec-
tors.
(4) Install the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the upper radiator mounts to the cross-
member bolts, if removed. Tighten to 8 N´m (70 in.
lbs.).
(6) Install the radiator upper hose to the support
clip (2.4L engine).
RADIATOR FAN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The radiator fan relay is a solid state type and is
located on the front bumper reinforcment (Fig. 22).
Refer to WIRING DIAGRAMS for a circuit sche-
matic.
OPERATION
The solid state radiator fan relay is controlled by
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) by way of a
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal. The relay con-
trol circuit supplies a 12 volt signal to the PCM. The
PCM then pulses the ground circuit to achieve fan on
time. The relay provides a voltage to the fan motors
which is proportional to the pulse width it receives
from the PCM. The duty cycle ranges from 30% for
low speed operation, then ramps-up to 100% for high
speed operation. This fan control system provides
infinitely variable fan speeds, allowing for improved
fan noise, A/C performance, better engine cooling,
and additional vehicle power.
To control operation of the relay, the PCM looks at
inputs from:
²Engine coolant temperature
²A/C pressure transducer
²Ambient temperature from the body controller
²Vehicle speed
²Transmission oil temperature
The PCM uses these inputs to determine when the
fan should operate and at what speed. For further
information on fan operation, (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - OPERATION).
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the radiator crossmember to front fas-
cia closure panel.
(4) Disconnect the relay electrical connector (Fig.
22).
(5) Remove the rivet attaching the relay to the
front bumper beam (Fig. 22).
(6) Remove the relay.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The relay mounting location is designed
to dissipate heat. Ensure the relay is securely
attached to prevent relay ªthermalº shutdown and
relay damage, resulting in possible engine over-
heating.
Fig. 21 Radiator Fans
1 - SCREWS - RADIATOR FAN ATTACHING
2 - RADIATOR FAN - RIGHT
3 - MOUNT - RIGHT RADIATOR FAN
4 - CLIPS - RADIATOR FAN LOWER
5 - MOUNT - LEFT RADIATOR FAN
6 - RADIATOR FAN - LEFT
RSENGINE7-29
RADIATOR FAN (Continued)
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