2004 DODGE DAKOTA cooling

WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. If you open
the hood and see steam or hot coolant escaping from
the radiator, don't touch anything. Get away quickly.
Never try to open a pressure cap when the radiator is
hot.
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and filled.
Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush And Refill
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals. Discard old antifreeze
solution according to recommended procedure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals and
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Recommended Engine Coolant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-
HOAT), may result in engine damage that may not
be covered under the new vehicle warranty, and
decreased corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base anti-
freeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibi-
tors or antirust products, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator coolant and may plug the
radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50% solution
of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should beused. Higher concentrations (not to exceed 65%) are
required if temperatures below ±37ÉF (± 38ÉC) are antici-
pated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7

Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap when the system is hot or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling, and warmed to normal
operating temperature, remove the cap from the over-
flow bottle, remove the dipstick and wipe the excess
coolant from it. Reinsert the dipstick and remove. Ob-
serve the dipstick checking the holes along the stem for
coolant. Check the coolant level whenever the hood is
raised.
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the pressure cap except when check-
ing coolant freeze point or when replacing coolant. Your
service attendant should be advised of this. When addi-
tional coolant is needed to maintain the proper level, it
should be added to the overflow bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
A. Do not overfill the reserve tank (overflow bottle).
B. Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
reserve tank. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of
reserve tank also must be protected against freezing.
C. If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the reserve tank does not drop when the engine
cools, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.D. Maintain a minimum coolant concentration of 50%
ethylene glycol.
E. Make sure that the radiator and reserve tank overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
F. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
G. The thermostat should not be changed for summer or
winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
Regular/Club Cab, 87 Octane20 Gal. w/ORVR, 22 Gal.
w/o ORVR76L w/ORVR, 83L w/o
ORVR
Quad Cab, 87 Octane 24 Gal. 91L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.7L, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 5 Qt. 4.7L
4.7L, SAE 5W-30, API Certified 6 Qt. 5.7L
Cooling System
3.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula)NA NA
4.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile
Formula)17 Qt. 16L
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Compact Disc Maintenance............... 132
Compact Disc Player.................106,110
Compact Spare Tire..................... 178
Compass.............................. 79
Compass Calibration...................79,80
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Floor.......................... 88
Console, Overhead....................... 76
Contract, Service....................... 282
Converter, Catalytic..................... 189
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 240
Cooling System.....................237,240
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 239
Coolant Capacity..................... 258
Coolant Level........................ 240
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 238
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 238
Inspection........................... 237
Points to Remember................... 241
Radiator Cap........................ 240
Selection of Coolant.............238,258,259
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Cruise Control.......................... 74Cruise Light........................... 104
Cup Holder............................ 89
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 69
Dealer Service......................... 225
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 140
Defroster, Windshield...............54,133,136
Delay Wipers........................... 71
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 223
Differential, Limited-Slip................. 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 100
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Oil (Engine)......................... 226
Power Steering....................... 234
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 217
Disc Brakes........................... 243
Disposal
Used Coolant........................ 238
Door Ajar............................ 103
Door Locks..........................13,14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 81
290 INDEX

Downshifting.......................... 151
Drive Belts............................ 230
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 235
Electrical Power Outlets................... 86
Electronic Power Distribution Center........ 252
Electronic Speed Control.................. 74
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 167
Jacking............................. 211
Jump Starting........................ 215
Overheating......................... 239
Towing............................. 217
Emission Control System Maintenance....... 262
Emission Related Components............. 241
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 231
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 230
Block Heater......................... 146
Break-In Recommendations............... 52
Compartment.....................221,222
Coolant..........................238,259
Cooling............................ 237Exhaust Gas Caution................53,189
Fails to Start......................... 145
Flooded, Starting..................... 145
Fuel Requirements.................... 258
Oil ..........................226,258,259
Oil Selection......................... 258
Oil Synthetic......................... 229
Overheating......................... 239
Starting............................ 144
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Equipment Identification Plate............. 206
Exhaust Gas Caution..................53,237
Exhaust System......................53,236
Exterior Lighting........................ 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 230
Engine Fuel......................... 231
Engine Oil.......................229,259
Engine Oil Disposal................... 229
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 208
INDEX 291
10

Turn Signal.......................... 99
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 215
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 145
Floor Console.......................... 88
Fluid, Brake........................... 260
Fluid Capacities........................ 258
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Brake.............................. 243
Cooling System....................... 237
Power Steering....................... 234
Transfer Case........................ 248
Fog Lights..........................69,257
Four Wheel Drive...................... 151
Operation........................... 151
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 208
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 167
Front Axle............................ 248
Fuel................................. 184
Adding............................. 186
Filler Cap........................... 186
Filter.............................. 231
Gasoline............................ 184Gauge............................. 100
Materials Added...................... 186
Octane Rating........................ 259
Requirements.....................184,258
System Hoses........................ 241
Tank Capacity........................ 258
Fuses................................ 253
Garage Door Opener..................... 81
Gasoline............................. 184
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 184
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 99
Fuel............................... 100
Oil Pressure......................... 100
Speedometer......................... 100
Tachometer.......................... 99
Voltmeter............................ 99
Gear Ranges........................100,147
Glass Cleaning......................... 251
GVWR............................... 191
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 208
292 INDEX