2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA coolant temperature

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Voltage Light This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
Pull over in a safe area as soon as possible 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”, and
you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
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, refer
to “Exhaust Gas” in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch 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.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Coolant Checks
Check the 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. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or 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. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
7

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease 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 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 Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Engine Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in 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.
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 recovery bottle.
The 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 cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

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. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the coolant level in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................... 300
Adding Washer Fluid .................. 132,357
Additives, Fuel ......................... 298
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 137
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 353
Air Conditioning ..................... 235,240
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 235
Air Conditioning Filter .................253,354
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 353
Air Conditioning System ..........235,240,243,353
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 236
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 283
Airbag ................................ 45
Airbag Deployment ....................... 57
Airbag Light ................... 49,50,59,72,175
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 58
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 46
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 26
Alignment and Balance ................... 290 All Wheel Drive (AWD)
.............266,291,370
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 228
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........359,360,386
Disposal ............................ 362
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 269
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 169
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 26
Appearance Care ........................ 372
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 26
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 32
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 80
Automatic Door Locks ................... 17,18
Automatic Headlights .................... 128
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 243
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 261
Adding Fluid ......................... 388
Interlock System ....................... 262
Reset Mode .......................... 262
422 INDEX

Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 82
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 152
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 138
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 176
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 318
Jacking ............................. 320
Jump Starting ......................... 327
Overheating .......................... 319
Emission Control System Maintenance ......341,390
Engine ............................ 338,339
Air Cleaner .......................... 349
Air Cleaner Filter ...................... 349
Block Heater ......................... 260
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 344
Compartment ...................... 338,339
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 387
Cooling ............................. 358 Exhaust Gas Caution
.................. 31,299
Fails to Start .......................... 259
Fuel Requirements .................. 296,386
Oil ........................... 344,386,387
Oil Change Interval .................... 345
Oil Disposal .......................... 348
Oil Filler Cap ...................... 346,347
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 348
Oil Selection ....................... 346,386
Oil Synthetic ......................... 348
Overheating .......................... 319
Temperature Gauge ..................... 168
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............31,71,299,358
Exhaust System ......................... 357
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 44
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 80
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 349
426 INDEX