2006 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY radiator cap

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
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. Breath-
ing 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.
416 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 417
7

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.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

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 cold, the level of the coolant 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.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 350
Oil (Engine) .......................... 405
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 419
Car Washes ............................ 429
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 349
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 195
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 194
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance ......... 278
Cassette Tape Player ................ 219,239,243
Catalytic Converter ...................... 407
Caution, Exhaust Gas ................. 37,83,349
CD (Compact Disc) Changer .....228,235,247,260,261
CD (Compact Disc)
Player .......... 225,229,233,239,245,249,252,256,259
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 279
Cellular Phone ........................ 96,279
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 443 Center Lap Belts
......................... 50
Chains, Tire ............................ 343
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 370
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 325
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............215,400
Child Restraint .......................... 70
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 74
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Child Seat ............................ 69,77
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 346
Climate Control ......................... 280
Clock ................................ 217
Coat Hook ............................ 194
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 279
Compact Disc (CD) Player ...............219,225
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 336
Compass .............................. 164
Compass Calibration ..................... 165
478 INDEX

Compass Variance....................... 166
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 167
Console, Overhead ....................... 163
Console, Removable ................... 189,190
Contract, Service ........................ 470
Coolant Pressure Cap ..................... 419
Cooling System ......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 418
Coolant Capacity ...................... 444
Coolant Level ...................... 417,420
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 417
Inspection ........................... 420
Points to Remember .................... 420
Pressure Cap ......................... 419
Radiator Cap ......................... 419
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......417,444,445
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 160
Cruise Light ........................... 216 Cup Holder
......................... 183,433
Customer Assistance ..................... 468
Daytime Running Lights ................... 151
Dealer Service .......................... 401
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 305
Defroster, Windshield ................84,285,296
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 399
Dimmer Control ........................ 150
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 426
Oil (Engine) .......................... 402
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 393
Disarming, Theft System ................... 27
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 419
Engine Oil ........................... 406
Domelight ............................. 150
Door Ajar Light ......................... 210
INDEX 479
10

Overheating, Engine................... 213,369
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,472
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 317
Parking On Hill ......................... 317
Passing Light ........................... 154
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 159
Pets, Transporting ........................ 78
Phone, Cellular .......................... 96
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............. 96
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 328
Power Brakes .............................. 318
Distribution Center ..................... 434
Door Locks ........................... 18
Lift Gate ............................. 35
Mirrors .............................. 94
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 181 Seats
............................... 120
Sliding Door .......................... 30
Steering ............................. 321
Steering, Checking ..................... 412
Sunroof ............................. 179
Windows ............................. 40
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 446
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 53
Preparation for Jacking .................371,383
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................. 51
Programmable Electronic Features ......169,174,178
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) ...............23,174,178
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 335
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......417,419
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 217
Radio Operation ................... 239,257,279
INDEX 487
10