2007 DODGE DAKOTA coolant level

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. 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 engine speed
for 2-3 minutes. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, seek authorized service immediately.
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.
The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
136 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Adding 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.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.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 childrendo 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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
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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.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add, if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the manual transmission fluid level (if
equipped).
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
352 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 36,000 42,000 48,000 54000 60,000 66,000
(Kilometers) (60 000) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000)
[Months] [36] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
Check spare tire for proper pressure and cor-
rect stowage.X X XXXX
Check transfer case fluid level (4X4). X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, if not replaced at 102,000 miles (170
000 km).X
Inspect brake linings. X X
Inspect engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary.X
Replace spark plugs.X
Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.**X
Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace, if
required.X
SCHEDULE “A” 365
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Adding Fuel........................243,272
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 302
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 305
Air Conditioning........................ 175
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........175,178
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............305,306
Air Conditioning System................175,305
AirFilter .............................. 302
Air Pressure, Tires....................227,235
Airbag........................... 44,54,142
Airbag Light.......................... 54,73
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 54
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,139
Alignment and Balance................... 234
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 171
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........... 311,312,345
Disposal............................ 313Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............213,214
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 139
Anti-Theft System..................... 18,139
Appearance Care........................ 323
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 30
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 79
Automatic Door Locks..................... 29
Automatic Transaxle.................... 12,190
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission.............187,191,318
Adding Fluid......................... 319
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 320
Fluid Level Check...................... 318
FluidType ........................320,347
Gear Ranges.......................... 191
Special Additives...................... 320
Torque Converter...................... 195
AxleFluid ............................. 347
378 INDEX

Catalytic Converter...................... 302
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............146,154
Cellular Phone.......................... 175
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 341
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 122
Certification Label....................... 247
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 273
Charging.............................. 283
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 219
Child Restraint........................ 58,59
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 61,66
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 40
Child Seat.............................. 63
Circuit Breakers......................... 327
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 325
Climate Control......................... 175
Clock ...........................143,148,156
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 173Compact Spare Tire...................... 230
Compass.............................. 107
Compass Calibration..................... 107
Compass Variance....................... 108
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 104
Console, Floor.......................... 121
Console, Overhead....................... 103
Contract, Service........................ 372
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 312
Cooling System......................... 310
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 312
Coolant Capacity...................... 345
Coolant Level......................310,313
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 313
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 311
Inspection........................... 313
Points to Remember.................... 314
Pressure Cap......................... 312
Radiator Cap......................... 312
380 INDEX