2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY radiator cap

COOLING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLING
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
COOLING SYSTEM LEAK TEST.............3
COOLING SYSTEM FLOW CHECK..........3
COOLING SYSTEM AERATION.............3
COOLING SYSTEM DEAERATION...........3
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4COOLING SYSTEM - DRAINING............4
COOLING SYSTEM - REFILLING............4
COOLANT - ADDING ADDITIONAL...........4
COOLANT LEVEL CHECK - ROUTINE........5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................6
ACCESSORY DRIVE.......................7
ENGINE................................13
TRANSMISSION.........................36
COOLING
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system components consist of a radia-
tor, electric fan motors, shroud, pressure cap, thermo-
stat, transmission oil cooler, water pump, hoses,
clamps, coolant, and a coolant reserve system to com-
plete the circuit.
DESCRIPTION - HOSE CLAMPS
The cooling system uses spring type hose clamps.
If a spring type clamp replacement is necessary,
replace with the original Mopartequipment spring
type clamp.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement
is necessary, use only a original equipment clamp
with matching number or letter (Fig. 1).
OPERATION - COOLING SYSTEM
The engine cooling systems primary purpose is to
maintain engine temperature in a range that will
provide satisfactory engine performance and emission
levels under all expected driving conditions. It also
provides hot water (coolant) for heater performance
and cooling for automatic transmission oil. It does
this by transferring heat from engine metal to cool-
ant, moving this heated coolant to the radiator, and
then transferring this heat to the ambient air.²When engine is cold: thermostat is closed, cool-
ing system has no flow through the radiator. The
coolant bypass flows through the engine only.
²When engine is warm: thermostat is open, cool-
ing system has bypass flow and coolant flow through
radiator.
Coolant flow circuits for the 2.4L and 3.3/3.8L
engines are shown in (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Spring Clamp Size Location
1 - SPRING CLAMP SIZE LOCATION
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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
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COOLING (Continued)
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- 124 kPa (14 - 18 psi). This air is replaced with cool-
ant from the coolant bottle.
NOTE: Deaeration does not occur at engine idleÐ
higher engine speeds are required. Normal driving
will deaerate cooling system.
To effectively deaerate the system, multiple ther-
mal cycles of the system may be required.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
DRAINING
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OR LOOSEN THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP, CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS, OR THE DRAINCOCK WHEN THE
SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
(1)Without removing radiator pressure cap
and with system not under pressure, open the
draincock. The draincock is located on the lower left
side of radiator (Fig. 5).
(2) After the coolant recovery/reserve container is
empty, then remove coolant pressure cap (Fig. 6).
(3) Remove the cylinder block drain plug(s).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
FILLING
Remove radiator pressure cap (Fig. 6) and fill sys-
tem, using a 50/50 mix of MopartAntifreeze/Coolant,
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula and distilled water.
Continue filling system until full.Be careful not
to spill coolant on drive belts or the generator.
Fill coolant recovery/reserve container (Fig. 6) to at
least the MAX mark with 50/50 solution. It may be
necessary to add coolant to the recovery/reserve con-
tainer after three or four warm up/cool down cycles
to maintain coolant level between the MAX and MIN
mark. This will allow trapped air to be removed from
the system.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain this
level, it should be added to the coolant recovery/re-
serve container (Fig. 6). Use only 50/50 mix of ethyl-
ene glycol type antifreeze and distilled water. For the
recommeded antifreeze/coolant type (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
CAUTION: Do not use well water, or suspect water
supply in cooling system. A 50/50 ethylene glycol
and distilled water mix is recommended. For the
recommeded antifreeze/coolant type (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
Fig. 5 Draincock Location
1 - LEFT SIDE FRAME RAIL
2 - DRAINCOCK
7 - 4 COOLINGRS
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
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COOLING (Continued)
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ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................14
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS...........14
CLEANING..............................17
INSPECTION............................17
COOLANT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................17
COOLANT CONCENTRATION TESTING......17
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................18
COOLANT SERVICE.....................18
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
DESCRIPTION...........................18
OPERATION.............................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................19
COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECK.....19
REMOVAL..............................19
INSTALLATION...........................19
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................19
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER TESTING.........19
REMOVAL..............................19
INSTALLATION...........................19
ENGINE COOLANT TEMP SENSOR - 2.4L
DESCRIPTION...........................20
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
ENGINE COOLANT TEMP SENSOR - 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION...........................20
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................21
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................22
THERMOSTAT.........................22
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 2.4L
REMOVAL..............................22
INSTALLATION...........................22
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................24
REMOVAL..............................24INSTALLATION...........................25
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................25
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION...........................26
OPERATION.............................26
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................26
COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE CAP
TESTING.............................26
RADIATOR CAP TO FILLER NECK SEAL.....26
CLEANING..............................27
INSPECTION............................27
RADIATOR FAN
DESCRIPTION...........................27
OPERATION.............................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................28
RADIATOR FAN MOTOR TEST.............28
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
RADIATOR FAN RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
WATER PUMP - 2.4L
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................30
REMOVAL..............................30
CLEANING..............................31
INSPECTION............................31
INSTALLATION...........................31
WATER PUMP - 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION...........................32
OPERATION.............................32
REMOVAL..............................32
CLEANING..............................33
INSPECTION............................33
INSTALLATION...........................33
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE - 2.4L
DESCRIPTION...........................34
REMOVAL..............................34
INSTALLATION...........................34
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE - 3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................35
RSENGINE7-13
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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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