2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN open gas tank

WARNING: Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable
and could cause serious personal injury. Never
have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehi-
cle when removing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap)
or filling the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning
agent and never use it near an open flame.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mix-
ture of these two.
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates
between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided. When you do switch fuels, it is recom-
mended that
²you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates
less than 1/4 full
²you do not add less than 5 gallons when refuel-
ing
²you operate the vehicle immediately after refuel-
ing for a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible
hard starting and/or significant deterioration in
driveability during warm up.
FFV STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable
for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0ÉF. In
the range of 0ÉF to 32ÉF, you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start,
and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesi-
tations) until the engine is fully warmed up.
Engine Operating on E-85 Fuel
If vehicle operates on E-85 fuel either full or part-
time, use only MopartFlexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil
or an equivalent that meets DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel
engine oils may be labeled as Multi-Fuel, Variable
Fuel, Flexible Fuel, etc. These engine oils may be
satisfactory if they meet the DaimlerChrysler Stan-
dard.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in Flex-
ible Fuel engines.
CAUTION: If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used
when using E-85 fuel, engine wear or damage may
result.
CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your MPG and your
driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to
gasoline operation.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules for the
recommended maintenance (fluid/filter change)
intervals for this transaxle.
NOTE: All transaxles have a common transmission
and differential sump. Filling the transaxle accom-
modates the differential as well.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) is required in the 41TE automatic and
T850 manual transaxles. Substitute fluids can induce
torque converter clutch shudder.
MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown.This is normal.ATF+4 also has a unique
odor that may change with age. Consequently,odor
and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid
condition or the need for a fluid change.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium
gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality reg-
ular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCERS
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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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
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 coolant
recovery bottle by thermal expansion of the coolant.
It then escapes to the atmosphere in the coolant
recovery bottle and is replaced with coolant on cool
down.
To effectively deaerate the system, multiple ther-
mal cycles of the system may be required.
NOTE: Deaeration does not occur at engine idleÐ
higher engine speeds are required. Normal driving
will deaerate cooling system.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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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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)
RSENGINE7-15
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(3) Position a new gasket over the thermostat and
connector making sure thermostat is in proper posi-
tion and in the recess provided.
(4) Install thermostat and connector assembly to
the intake manifold (Fig. 10). Tighten bolts to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
connector (Fig. 9).
(6) Refill the cooling system to the proper level.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION
The radiator is a cross-flow type (horizontal tubes)
with design features that provide greater strength
along with sufficient heat transfer capabilities to
keep the engine satisfactorily cooled. The radiator
has plastic side tanks and aluminum cooling tubes.
OPERATION
The radiator functions as a heat exchanger, using
air flow across the exterior of the radiator tubes. This
heat is then transferred from the coolant and into
the passing air.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove radiator upper crossmember support.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING
REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
(3) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect coolant reserve/recovery hose.
Fig. 10 THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L ENGINE
1 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
2 - BOLT
3 - THERMOSTAT
4 - GASKET
Fig. 11 Connector Staking Material Removal
1-STAKE
2 - OUTLET CONNECTOR
Fig. 12 Thermostat Position In Outlet Connector
1 - LOCATING NOTCH
2 - THERMOSTAT
3 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
RSENGINE7-25
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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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)
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.
Fig. 16 Draincock
1 - RADIATOR TANK
2 - DRAINCOCK
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 - RADIATOR
8 - FILLER NECK
RSENGINE7-27
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
PRESSURE CAP TESTING
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 (Fig. 18). 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 filler
neck. Inspect the 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.
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.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap at any
timeexceptfor the following purposes:
(1) Check and adjust coolant freeze point.
(2) Refill system with new coolant.
(3) Conducting service procedures.
(4) Checking for vacuum leaks.
WARNING: IF VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY,
WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING CAP. THEN
PLACE A SHOP TOWEL OVER THE CAP AND WITH-
OUT PUSHING DOWN ROTATE COUNTERCLOCK-
WISE TO THE FIRST STOP. ALLOW FLUIDS TO
ESCAPE THROUGH THE OVERFLOW TUBE AND
WHEN THE SYSTEM STOPS PUSHING COOLANT
AND STEAM INTO THE CRS TANK AND PRESSURE
DROPS PUSH DOWN AND REMOVE THE CAP COM-
PLETELY. SQUEEZING THE RADIATOR INLET HOSE
WITH A SHOP TOWEL (TO CHECK PRESSURE)
BEFORE AND AFTER TURNING TO THE FIRST
STOP IS RECOMMENDED.
Fig. 18 Testing Cooling System Pressure Cap
1 - PRESSURE CAP
2 - PRESSURE TESTER
Fig. 19 Radiator 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 - RADIATOR
8 - FILLER NECK
7 - 28 ENGINERS
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Freeze point of antifreeze not
correct. Mixture may be too rich.6. Check antifreeze. Adjust
antifreeze-to-water ratio as
required.
7. Coolant not flowing through
system.7. Check for coolant flow in
coolant tank with engine warm
and thermostat open. Coolant
should be observed flowing
through the tank. If flow is not
observed, determine reason for
lack of flow and repair as
necessary.
8. Radiator or A/C condensor fins
are dirty or clogged.8. Clean debris from radiator or
A/C condensor
9. Radiator core is corroded or
plugged.9. Have radiator re-cored or
replaced.
10. Aftermarket A/C installed without
proper A/C condensor.10. Install proper A/C
condensor.
11. Dragging Brakes. 11. Check and correct as
necessary.
12. Non-factory bug screen is being
used reducing airflow.12. Only a factory screen
should be used.
13. Thermostat partially or
completely shut. This is more
prevalent on high mileage vehicles.13. Check thermostat and
replace if necessary.
14. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 14. Check cylinder head gasket
for leaks.
15. Heater core leaking. 15. Check heater cor for leaks.
Repair as necessary.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
READING IS
INCONSISTENT
(FLUCTUATES, CYCLES
OR IS ERRATIC)1. During cold weather operation,
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly. Fluctuation is also
influenced by loads, outside
temperature and extended idle time
with diesel engines.1. A normal condition. No
correction is necessary.
2. Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor defective or
shorted. Also, corroded or loose
wiring in this circuit.2. Check operation of gauge
and repair as necessary.
3. Gauge reading rises when vehicle
is brought to a stop after heavy use
(engine still running).3. A normal condition. No
correction needed. Gauge
should return to normal range
after vehicle is driven.
4. Gauge reading high after starting
a warm-iup (hot) engine.4. A normal condition. No
correction needed. Gauge
should return to normal after a
few minutes of engine
operation.
RGCOOLING 2.5L TURBO DIESEL7a-3
COOLING 2.5L TURBO DIESEL (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
5. Coolant level low in the coolant
tank (air will build up in the cooling
system causing the thermostat to
open late).5. Check and correct coolant
leaks.
6. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gases to enter the
cooling system causing the
thermostat to open late.6. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks with a
commercially available leak
tester. (b) Check for coolant in
engine oil. Inspect for white
steam emitting from exhaust
system. Repair as necessary.
7. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.7. Check water pump and
replace as necessary.
8. Loose accessory drive belt (water
pump slipping).8. Check and correct as
necessary.
9. Air leak on the suction side of the
water pump allowing air to build up
in the cooling system causing the
thermostat to open late.9. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
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 TANK1. Pressure relief valve in pressure/
vent cap is defective.1. Check condition of
pressure/vent cap and cap
seals.
2. Head gasket leak or cracked
cylinder head.2. Repair as necessary.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT
PRESSURE CAP
BLOWOFF. GAUGE IS
READING HIGH OR HOT1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump, or
engine.1. Pressure test cooling system
and repair as necessary.
HOSE OR HOSES
COLLAPSE WHEN
ENGINE IS COOLING1. Vacuum created in cooling system
on engine cool-down is not being
relieved through pressure/vent cap.1. Cap relief valve stuck.
Replace if necessary.
NOISY FAN 1. Cooling fan blades loose. 1. Replace cooling fan
assembly.
2. Cooling fan blades striking a
surrounding object.2. Locate point of fan blade
contact and repair as
necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or A/C
condensor.3. Remove obstructions or
clean debris from radiator or
A/C condensor.
7a - 4 COOLING 2.5L TURBO DIESELRG
COOLING 2.5L TURBO DIESEL (Continued)
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