2005 DODGE POWER WAGON coolant temperature

12. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light 5.7L
Engines Only
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the“H”mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on“Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle.”
NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the“Check Gages”indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
14. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about two seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only)
When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator
shows the automatic transmission gear range selected.16. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
17. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine
Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature
gages indicate a reading either too high or too low.
Examine the gages carefully, and follow the instructions
above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161
4

speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation isencountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
NOTE:On models equipped with Diesel engines, the
idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at
elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
4

Check the coolant bottle hoses for condition and tight-
ness of the connections at both the coolant bottle and
radiator.
Check the coolant pressure cap and coolant reserve
system for proper vacuum sealing. With the engine at
normal operating temperature, note the level of the
coolant in the coolant bottle. Without removing the
pressure cap (with the engine off), drain a small amount
of coolant from the radiator draincock. If the coolant level
in the coolant bottle drops, the system is sealing properly.
Coolant Level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method of determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warmed to the normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
coolant 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 longer a need to remove the coolant pressure cap
except for checking coolant freeze point or replacement
with new antifreeze coolant.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool an overheated engine! The coolant is under
pressure and severe scalding could result.
Drain, Flush And Refill
At intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to
your dealer or consult a service manual for proper
procedures.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing according 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.When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, add the recommended concentration of
antifreeze and water to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
NOTE:Failure to follow the antifreeze concentration
and replacement recommendations, or failure to use
antifreeze formulated to prevent corrosion of all cooling
system metals, may result in radiator plugging, overheat-
ing, or cooling system leaks such as in core hole plugs.
WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool an overheated engine. The coolant is under
pressure and severe scalding could result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Schedule“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F C (32°).
•Trailer towing.
•Snowplowing.
•Heavy Loading.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first and follow
schedule“B”of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
SCHEDULE“B”413
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Climate Control......................... 200
Clock................................ 165
Clutch............................... 377
Clutch Linkage Maintenance................ 378
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 199
Compact Disc Player..................172,179
Compact Spare Tire...................... 299
Compass...........................126,127
Compass Calibration..................... 127
Compass Variance....................... 128
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 123
Console, Overhead....................... 122
Contract, Service........................ 432
Converter, Catalytic...................... 313
Cooling System......................... 371
Coolant Capacity...................... 406
Coolant Level......................... 372
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 375
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 372Inspection........................... 371
Radiator Cap......................372,375
Selection of Coolant...............374,406,407
Temperature Gauge..................... 160
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 118
Cup Holder............................ 141
Customer Assistance..................... 430
Daytime Running Lights................... 112
Dealer Service.......................... 355
Defroster, Rear Window..............88,207,211
Defroster, Windshield..................202,205
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 116
Differential............................. 80
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 281
Digital Video Disc Player................... 80
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 380
Power Steering........................ 367
442 INDEX

Disc Brakes............................ 376
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 375
Door Ajar............................. 159
Door Locks............................. 18
Door Opener, Garage..................... 130
Drive Belts............................ 360
Driving
Off-Pavement......................... 224
Off-Road............................ 224
Electric Rear Window Defrost..........88,207,211
Electrical Power Outlets................... 139
Electronic Speed Control................... 118
Emergency Brake........................ 282
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 347
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 334
Jacking............................. 338Jump Starting......................... 344
Tow Hooks.......................... 347
Towing............................. 348
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 410
Emission Related Components.............. 364
Engine............................... 352
Air Cleaner.......................... 361
Break-In Recommendations................ 70
Compartment Identification............... 352
Coolant (Antifreeze).................374,407
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 313
Flooded, Starting...................... 268
Fuel Requirements..................... 406
Oil ...........................356,406,407
Oil Filler Cap......................... 359
Oil Selection.......................358,406
Oil Synthetic......................... 359
Temperature Gauge..................... 160
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 332
INDEX 443
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