2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY air condition

INSTALLATION
(1) Route and position the drive belt onto all pul-
leys, except for the crankshaft (Fig. 10).(2) Rotate belt tensioner counterclockwise until
belt can be installed onto the crankshaft pulley (Fig.
8). Slowly release belt tensioner.
(3) Verify belt is properly routed and engaged on
all pulleys.
(4) Install drive belt shield (Fig. 7) and lower vehi-
cle.
Fig. 10 ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
1 - DRIVE BELT
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
3 - BELT TENIONER PULLEY
4 - IDLER PULLEY
5 - GENERATOR PULLEY
6 - AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY
7 - CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
8 - WATER PUMP PULLEY
7 - 12 ACCESSORY DRIVERS
DRIVE BELTS - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM
Establish what driving condition caused the cooling
system complaint. The problem may be caused by an
abnormal load on the system such as the following:
prolonged idle, very high ambient temperature, slight
tail wind at idle, slow traffic speed, traffic jam, high
speed, steep grade.
DRIVING TECHNIQUES
To avoid overheating the cooling system:
(1) Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at
end of normal range.
(2) Do not increase engine speed for more air flow
and coolant flow because the electric motor fan sys-
tems are not responsive to engine RPM. The added
cooling from higher coolant flow rate is more than
offset by increased heat rejection (engine heat added
to coolant).
TRAILER TOWING
Consult the owner's manual under Trailer Towing
and do not exceed specified limits.
VISUAL INSPECTION
If the cooling system problem is not caused by a
driving condition, perform a visual inspection to
determine if there was a recent service or accident
repair, including the following:
²Loose/damaged water pump drive belt
²Incorrect cooling system refilling (trapped air or
low level)
²Brakes possibly dragging
²Damaged hoses
²Loose/damaged hose clamps
²Damaged/incorrect engine thermostat
²Damaged cooling fan motor, fan blade and fan
shroud
²Damaged head gasket
²Damaged water pump
²Damaged radiator
²Damaged coolant recovery system
²Damaged heater core
²Open/shorted electrical circuits
If the visual inspection reveals none of the above
as cause for a cooling system complaint, refer to the
following diagnostic charts.
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
MAY BE ABOVE NORMAL BUT
NOT HIGH. COOLANT LEVEL MAY
BE HIGH IN COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK.1. Pressure relief valve in radiator
cap is defective, or was not
properly seated.1. Check condition of radiator cap
and cap seal. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Replace cap as
necessary.
2. Incorrect cap was installed. 2. Replace cap as necessary.
3. Incorrect coolant mixture. 3. Check concentration level of the
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Adjust the ethylene
glycol-to-water ratio as required.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF. GAUGE IS
READING HIGH OR HOT.1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or
engine.1. Pressure test and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
7 - 14 ENGINERS
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DETONATION OR PRE-IGNITION
(NOT CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY NOT BE
READING HIGH.1. Engine overheating. 1. Check reason for overheating
and repair as necessary.
2. Freeze point of coolant not
correct. Mixture too concentrated or
too diluted.2. Check concentration level of the
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Adjust the ethylene
glycol-to-water ratio as required.
3. Incorrect cooling system
pressure cap.3. Install correct pressure cap.
HOSE(S) COLLAPSE AS ENGINE
COOLS DOWN.1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
recovery system.1. (a) Pressure cap relief valve
stuck. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE
CAP - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
Replace as necessary.
(b) Hose between the radiator and
overflow container is plugged. Clean
and repair as necessary.
(c) Vent at coolant reserve/overflow
container is plugged. Clean vent
and repair as necessary.
(d) Reserve/overflow container is
internally blocked. Clean and repair
as necessary.
INADEQUATE AIR CONDITIONER
PERFORMANCE (COOLING
SYSTEM SUSPECTED).1. Radiator and/or A/C condenser is
restricted, obstructed, or dirty
(insects, leaves, etc.).1. Remove restriction and/or clean
as necessary.
2. Electrical radiator fan not
operating when A/C is operated.2. For test procedure (Refer to
appropriate Diagnostic Information).
Repair as necessary.
3. Engine is overheating (heat may
be transferred from radiator to A/C
condenser). High underhood
temperatures due to engine
overheating may also transfer heat
to A/C components.3. Correct overheating condition.
4. All models are equipped with air
seals at the radiator and/or A/C
condenser. If these seals are
missing or damaged, not enough
air flow will be pulled through the
radiator and A/C condenser.4. Check for missing or damaged air
seals and repair as necessary.
INADEQUATE HEATER
PERFORMANCE.1. Check for a Diagnostic trouble
code (DTC).1. For procedures, (Refer to
appropriate Diagnostic Information).
Repair as necessary.
2. Coolant level low. 2. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE) Repair
as necessary.
RSENGINE7-15
ENGINE (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
3. Obstructions in heater hose
fitting at engine or at heater core.3. Remove heater hoses at both
ends and check for obstructions.
Repair as necessary.
4. Heater hose kinked. 4. Locate kinked area and repair as
necessary.
5. Water pump is not pumping
coolant to heater core.5. When the engine is fully warmed
up, both heater hoses should be hot
to the touch. If only one of the
hoses is hot, the water pump may
not be operating correctly. Replace
components as necessary.
HEAT ODOR 1. Various heat shields are used at
certain driveline components. One
or more of these shields may be
missing.1. Locate missing shields and
replace or repair as necessary.
2. Temperature gauge reading
above the normal range.2. Refer to Gauge Is Reading High
in Temperature Gauge Indicatication
Diagnosis Chart.
3. Radiator fan operating
incorrectly.3. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR FAN - OPERATION)
Repair as necessary.
4. Undercoating been applied to an
unnecessary component.4. Clean undercoating as necessary.
5. Engine may be running rich,
causing the catalytic converter to
overheat5. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Repair as necessary.
POOR DRIVEABILITY
(THERMOSTAT POSSIBLY STUCK
OPEN). GAUGE MAY BE READING
LOW.1. The engine thermostat must be
operating correctly for proper
driveability, clean vehicle emissions,
and the prevention of sludge
buildup in the engine oil. Check for
a diagnostic trouble code.1. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information) Replace thermostat, if
necessary.
STEAM IS COMING FROM FRONT
OF VEHICLE NEAR GRILL AREA
WHEN WEATHER IS WET,
ENGINE WARMED UP AND
RUNNING WITH VEHICLE
STATIONARY, OR JUST SHUT
OFF. TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS
NORMAL.1. During wet weather, moisture
(snow, ice, rain, or condensation)
on the radiator will evaporate when
the thermostat opens. The
thermostat opening allows heated
coolant into the radiator. When the
moisture contacts the hot radiator,
steam may be emitted. This usually
occurs in cold weather with no fan
or air flow to blow it away.1. Occasional steam emitting from
this area is normal. No repair is
necessary.
COOLANT COLOR 1. Coolant color is not necessarily
an indication of adequate corrosion
or temperature protection. Do not
rely on coolant color for determining
condition of coolant.1. Check the freeze point of the
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Adjust the ethylene
glycol-to-water ratio as necessary.
7 - 16 ENGINERS
ENGINE (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
COOLANT LEVEL CHANGES IN
COOLANT BOTTLE.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS IN
NORMAL RANGE.1. Level changes are to be
expected as coolant volume
fluctuates with engine temperature.
The coolant level will also drop as
the system removes air from a
recent filling.1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC).1. Normal reaction to fan and/or
thermostat cycle 1, Examples B
and C. During cold weather
operation with the heater blower in
the high position, the gauge reading
may drop slightly 1, Example D.
Fluctuation is also influenced by
outside temperature and heavy
loads 1, Example E.1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
2. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running) 1,
Example F.2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. Gauge reading should
return to normal range 1, Example
A, after vehicle is driven.
3. Gauge reading high after
restarting a warmed-up (hot)
engine.3. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range 1, Example
A, after a few minutes of engine
operation.
4. Temperature gauge or engine
coolant temperature sensor
defective or shorted. Also, corroded
or loose wiring in the electrical
circuit.4. Check operation of gauge or
engine coolant temperature sensor
and repair, if necessary.
CLEANING
Drain cooling system and refill with clean water.
Refer to procedures in this section. Run engine with
radiator cap installed until upper radiator hose is
hot. Stop engine and drain water from system. If
water is dirty; fill, run, and drain system again, until
water runs clear.
INSPECTION
After performing a cleaning/flush procedure,
inspect all hoses, clamps and connections for deterio-
ration and leaks. Inspect radiator and heater core for
leaks.
COOLANT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLANT
CONCENTRATION
Coolant concentration should be checked when any
additional coolant was added to system or after a cool-
ant drain, flush and refill. The coolant mixture offers
optimum engine cooling and protection against corrosion
when mixed to a freeze point of -37ÉC (-34ÉF) to -59ÉC
(-50ÉF). The use of a hydrometer or a refractometer can
be used to test coolant concentration.
A hydrometer will test the amount of glycol in a
mixture by measuring the specific gravity of the mix-
ture. The higher the concentration of ethylene glycol,
the larger the number of balls that will float, and
higher the freeze protection (up to a maximum of
60% by volume glycol).
RSENGINE7-17
ENGINE (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat is operated by a wax filled cham-
ber (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature the wax pellet
expands enough to overcome the closing spring and
water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.
Coolant leakage into the pellet will cause a thermo-
stat to fail open. Do not attempt to free up a thermo-
stat with a screwdriver.
Thermostat diagnostics is included in powertrain
control module's (PCM) programing for on-board
diagnosis. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will
illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will
be set when an ªopen too soonº condition occurs. Do
not change a thermostat for lack of heater perfor-
mance or temperature gauge position, unless a DTC
is present. For other probable causes, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) .
Thermostat failing shut is the normal long term
mode of failure, and normally, only on high mileage
vehicles. The temperature gauge will indicate this
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) .
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 2.4L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system below the thermostat
level. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose from the coolant
outlet housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove coolant outlet housing bolts and hous-
ing (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove thermostat. Discard gasket and clean
both gasket sealing surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place a new gasket (dipped in clean water) on
the coolant outlet connector surface. Position thermo-
stat with air bleed at the 12 o'clock position in ther-
mostat housing (Fig. 8).
(2) Position the coolant outlet connector and gas-
ket over the thermostat, making sure thermostat is
seated in the thermostat housing.
(3) Position outlet connector to thermostat housing
and install bolts (Fig. 8). Tighten bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
housing (Fig. 7).
(5) Refill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 7 RADIATOR HOSES TO ENGINE - 2.4L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
Fig. 8 Thermostat and Outlet Connector - 2.4L
Engine
1 - THERMOSTAT
2 - GASKET
3 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
4 - BOLT
7 - 22 ENGINERS
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
(1)Be sure the air seal is in position before
radiator is installed.Slide radiator down into posi-
tion. Seat the radiator with the rubber isolators into
the mounting holes provided, with a 10 lbs. force.
(2) Position air conditioning condenser onto the
radiator lower mounts and install upper screws (Fig.
15). Tighten fasteners to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator upper and lower hoses (Fig.
13) or (Fig. 14).
(4) Connect the coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(5) Connect the vapor purge solenoid to the mount-
ing bracket.
(6) Install the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the radiator upper crossmember sup-
port. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE
OPENING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Use of pliers on draincock is not recom-
mended. Damage may occur to radiator or drain-
cock.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove draincock dur-
ing a routine coolant drain.
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Open the draincock by turning it counterclock-
wise until it stops.
(3) Turn the draincock back (clockwise) 1/8 turn.
(4) Pull the draincock (Fig. 16) from the radiator
tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align draincock stem to radiator tank opening.
(2) Push draincock into the radiator tank opening.
(3) Tighten the draincock by turning clockwise
until it stops.
(4) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 15 Radiator to A/C Condenser Mounting (left
mount shown, right similar)
1 - SCREW - A/C CONDENSER SIDE BRACKET TO RADIATOR
2 - LOWER MOUNT
3 - A/C CONDENSER
Fig. 16 Draincock
1 - RADIATOR TANK
2 - DRAINCOCK
RSENGINE7-25
RADIATOR (Continued)
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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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