2005 DODGE DAKOTA radiator

also be given to hood latching components to insure
proper function. When performing other underhood ser-
vices, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. When freezing weather is anticipated,
flush out the water in the reservoir by operating the
system. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer anti-
freeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the system
for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made at 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 face of radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently
spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core.Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tight-
ness of connection at coolant bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
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.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified (non-
HOAT), may result in engine damage and decreased
corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant is intro-
duced 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 the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34°F (
37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant 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.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 bottle.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” 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 bottle system provides a quick visual method
for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With
the engine idling, and warmed to normal operating
temperature,the level of the coolant on the overflow
bottle should be between the fluid level marks.Check
the coolant level whenever the hood is raised.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the pressure cap except checking
coolant freeze point or replacement with new antifreeze
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

coolant. Your service attendant should be advised of this.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
A. Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
B. Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, contents of
coolant bottle also must be protected against freezing.
C. If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant bottle 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 and distilled water.E. Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle over-
flow 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
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 338
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 142
Certification Label....................... 252
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 274
Charging.............................. 283
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 226
Child Restraint........................59,61
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............62,67
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 38
Child Seat.............................. 64
Circuit Breakers......................... 328
Climate Control......................... 184
Clock................................ 160
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 183
Compact Spare Tire...................... 237
Compass.............................. 131
Compass Calibration..................... 131
Compass Variance....................... 132
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 127Console, Floor.......................... 141
Console, Overhead....................... 126
Contract, Service........................ 370
Converter, Catalytic...................... 251
Coolant............................... 315
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 315
Cooling System......................... 312
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 314
Coolant Capacity...................... 343
Coolant Level......................... 315
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 313
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 313
Inspection........................... 312
Points to Remember.................... 316
Radiator Cap......................... 315
Selection of Coolant...............313,343,344
Temperature Gauge..................... 152
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 123
Cup Holder............................ 143
378 INDEX

Parking On Hill......................... 219
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............. 55
Passing Light........................... 119
Pets.................................. 72
Pets, Transporting........................ 72
Phone, Cellular.......................... 84
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 84
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 230
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 317
Power
Brakes.............................. 318
Distribution Center..................... 328
Door Locks.........................15,17
Mirrors.............................. 83
Outlet.............................. 139
Steering..........................223,308
Windows............................. 29
Power Steering Fluid..................... 345
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 40Preparation for Jacking.................... 279
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 38
Programmable Electronic Features.........134,138
Programming Transmitters............25,134,138
Quad Cab............................. 112
Radial Ply Tires......................... 236
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 315
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 159
Radio Operation...................161,166,184
Radio Reception........................ 159
Radio, Satellite.......................... 178
Radio (Sound Systems).................161,166
Rear Axle............................. 323
Rear Window........................... 31
Rear Window Defroster................... 191
Rearview Mirrors........................ 81
386 INDEX