2004 DODGE INTREPID radiator cap

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 153
6

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
•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.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is
dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.Check the front of the radiator and condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules (5
years/100,000 miles), the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled.
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.
Engine Coolant Disposal
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
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts section for the correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.Higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) may be used if
temperatures below -37°F (-38°C) are anticipated.
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.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent engine
coolant changes.
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.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The 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 cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
7

Washing............................ 198
Waxing............................. 198
Wheels............................. 199
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 186
Climate Control........................ 114
Clock................................. 93
Coat Hook............................. 52
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 113
Compact Disc Player...................93,98
Compact Spare Tire..................... 139
Compass.............................. 79
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Overhead....................... 70
Contract, Service....................... 230
Cooling System........................ 188
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 189
Coolant Level........................ 190
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 188
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 188
Inspection........................... 188
Points to Remember................... 191
Pressure Cap........................ 189
Radiator Cap........................ 189Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 191
Selection of Coolant................... 189
Corrosion Protection.................... 197
Courtesy Lights......................... 61
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 180
Cruise Light........................... 89
Cup Holder............................ 52
Customer Assistance.................... 228
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 171
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 117
Defroster, Windshield...............48,116,120
Diagnostic System, Onboard.............90,169
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 163
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 188
Engine Oil.......................... 177
Door Ajar Light......................... 89
Door Locks........................14,15,16
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
240 INDEX

Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 32
Programmable Electronic Features.........71,75
Programming Transmitters............20,71,75
Radial Ply Tires........................ 138
Radiator Cap.......................... 189
Radio...........................93,100,105
Radio Operation........................ 114
Rear Window Defroster.................. 117
Reclining Front Seats..................... 56
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 209
Reformulated Gasoline................... 144
Refrigerant............................ 182
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 18
Remote Trunk Release.................... 25
Replacement Tires...................... 141
Reporting Safety Defects................. 231
Restraint, Head......................... 57
Restraints, Occupant..................... 26
Rotation, Tires......................... 142
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 48Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 48
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 47
Safety Tips............................. 47
Schedule, Maintenance................... 212
Scheduled Maintenance.................. 172
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 201
Seat Belts............................26,27
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 31
Child Restraint........................ 45
Extender............................ 32
Inspection........................... 48
Reminder............................ 89
Seats................................. 55
Adjustment.......................... 55
Cleaning............................ 199
Lumbar Support....................... 57
Power.............................. 56
Rear Folding......................... 58
Reclining............................ 56
Security Alarm......................... 23
Sentry Key............................. 9
Service Assistance...................... 228
Service Contract........................ 230
246 INDEX