2005 DODGE POWER WAGON radiator

crossing is the water depth, current and bottom con-
ditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in,
effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Be
sure to consider this when determining the depth and
the ability to safely cross.
•Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water–Puddles, pools, flooded or other
standing water areas normally contain murky or
muddy waters. These water types normally contain
hidden obstacles and make it difficult to determine an
accurate water depth, approach angle, and bottom
condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where
you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This
makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery.
If you are able to determine you can safely cross, than
proceed using the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effec-
tiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
•Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water–Flowing water can be extremely
dangerous. Never attempt to cross a fast running
stream or river even in shallow water. Fast moving
water can easily push your vehicle downstream
sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow water,
a high current can still wash the dirt out from around
your tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy.
There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle
damage with slower water currents in depths greater
than the vehicle’s running ground clearance. You
should never attempt to cross flowing water which is
deeper than the vehicle’s running ground clearance.
Even the slowest current can push the heaviest vehicle
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

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.
Exhaust System Rubber Isolator and Loop-Type
Hanger—If Equipped
Inspect surfaces whenever the vehicle is hoisted for
rubber to metal separation or deep cracks. SLIGHT
CRACKING DUE TO WEATHERING DOES NOT AD-
VERSELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE. If, however, exces-
sively deep localized cracks are present, or any part of the
exhaust system abnormally contacts the underbody hard-
ware, the isolator and/or hanger should be replaced.
Cooling System
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
Section of the manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and filled.
Inspection
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 as specified.
Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. Check the face
of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, or
other foreign matter. If dirty, clean the radiator core with
a garden hose. With the engine OFF, gently spray water
from the back of the radiator core.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

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

Recommended Engine Coolant
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage, and de-
crease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent the loss of coolant and to insure that the 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
radiator 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.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

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

Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......372,375
Radio Operation......................166,183
Radio Remote Controls.................... 197
Radio (Sound Systems)...........166,172,183,189
Ramp Travel Index....................... 225
Rear Axle............................. 378
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 383
Reclining Front Seats..................... 103
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 407
Recreational Towing...................... 329
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 329
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 330
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 307
Refrigerant............................ 366
Relays and Flashers...................... 393
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 45
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 24
Remote Sound System Controls.............. 197Replacement Tires....................... 302
Reporting Safety Defects................... 435
Restraint, Head......................... 104
Restraints, Child.......................59,65
Ride Height............................ 81
Rotation, Tires.......................... 306
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 73
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 74
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 435
Safety Information, Tire................... 286
Safety Tips............................. 71
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 410
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 392
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 45
Seat Belts..........................35,36,73
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 43
And Pregnant Women................... 47
Child Restraint.......................59,70
450 INDEX