2008 DODGE DAKOTA cooling

Cooling System Ð 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 Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
CAUTION!
²Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT
engine coolants may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
²Do 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.
²This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant. When
adding coolant:
²The manufacturer recommends using Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
²Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34ÉF (-37ÉC) are
anticipated.
²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
7

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº 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 scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine 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
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.
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
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check 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.
²If 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.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel
3.7L/4.7L, 87 Octane 22 Gal. 83L
4.7L HO, 91 Octane, Recommended Not Required 22 Gal. 83L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.7L, SAE 5W-20, API Certified 5 Qt. 4.7L
4.7L, SAE 5W-20, API Certified 6 Qt. 5.7L
4.7L HO, SAE 5W-20, API Certified 6 Qt. 5.7L
Cooling System (includes 2.1 Qts./2L for coolant bottle
3.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
4.7L HO (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 13.3 Qt. 12.5L
NOTE:All fluid capacities are approximate capacities.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CD (Compact Disc) Player................. 197
Cellular Phone..................79,197,199,209
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 379
Center Seat Storage Compartment............ 141
Certification Label....................... 288
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 313
Charging.............................. 323
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 254
Child Restraint......................55,56,57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............59,64
Child Seat.............................. 61
Circuit Breakers......................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 365
Climate Control......................... 209
Clock........................167,172,184,199
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 207
Compact Spare Tire...................... 265
Compass.............................. 130Compass Calibration..................... 130
Compass Variance....................... 131
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 126
Console, Floor.......................... 140
Console, Overhead....................... 125
Contract, Service........................ 400
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 353
Cooling System......................... 351
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 353
Coolant Capacity...................... 384
Coolant Level......................351,354
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 354
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 352
Inspection........................... 354
Points to Remember.................... 355
Pressure Cap......................... 353
Radiator Cap......................... 353
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......352,384,385
Temperature Gauge..................... 158
410 INDEX

Rotation............................. 272
Safety...........................253,261
Sizes............................... 254
Snow Tires........................... 272
Spare Tire........................... 315
Spinning............................ 266
Tread Wear Indicators................... 267
Wheel Mounting....................... 318
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 321
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 296
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 229
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 326
Towing............................... 291
Disabled Vehicle....................... 327
Guide.............................. 296
Recreational.......................... 305
Weight.............................. 296
Traction.............................. 245
Trailer Towing.......................... 291Cooling System Tips.................... 303
Hitches............................. 295
Minimum Requirements................. 298
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 296
Wiring.............................. 301
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 296
Trailer Weight.......................... 296
Transaxle............................. 224
Automatic.........................12,224
Manual.............................. 13
Operation........................... 224
Transfer Case........................... 362
Fluid............................... 386
Transmission........................225,359
Automatic......................221,225,359
Filter............................... 361
Fluid............................359,386
Maintenance.......................... 359
Manual........................221,230,359
INDEX 423
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic
Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY Vehicles EquippedWith Power Door LocksREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic
AlarmGeneral InformationProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery ReplacementREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows Auto Down (Drivers Side Only)
Window Lockout SwitchWIND BUFFETINGOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder
System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust System
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORSInside Day/Night MirrorOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature - If EquippedElectric
Remote-Control MirrorsHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Manual Seat
AdjustmentFront Seats Manual Seat ReclinersManual Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedAdjustable Head Restraints - Front Seating Positions6 -Way Power Seat Adjuster - Drivers Side OnlyExtended Cab/Crew Cab Rear SeatHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN
AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada - Standard and US Fleet Vehicles - If Equipped)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCARGO Light - If Equipped
Multifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IFEQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The
Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE Courtesy/Reading LightsCOMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER US/M ButtonRESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer
(ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Compass/Temperature DisplayAutomatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationTo Put Into a CalibrationModeOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian
ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OFF
(Battery Fed Configuration)FLOOR CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Floor Console FeaturesCENTER STORAGE COMPARTMENT - IF EQUIPPED CUP HOLDERS REAR STORAGE - IFEQUIPPED Rear Convenience Storage CratesPlastic Grocery Bag Retainers REAR
WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If Equipped TAILGATE Tailgate RemovalTwo Position Tailgate / Upper Load PlatformREAR CARGO AREA UTILITY RAILS SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsGeneral Information
Carbon Monoxide Warning Vehicles Equipped With A Cap or Slide-In CampersINSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTERINSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting
ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE RES -AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation
Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating
Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic
Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If
Equipped)REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCOMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE SOUND BOX OPERATION RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Air Conditioning And Heater Operating
TipsOperation Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingEngine Block Heater - If Equipped AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Brake/Transmission
Interlock SystemAutomatic TransmissionMANUAL TRANSMISSION Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer Case NV 244
Generation II Transfer Case Operating Information / PrecautionsShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System - If EquippedFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire
PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL
TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated Gasoline
Gasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)FLEXIBLE FUEL - IF EQUIPPED E-85 General InformationETHANOL FUEL (E-85)Fuel RequirementsSelection
Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline VehiclesStartingCruising RangeReplacement PartsMaintenanceVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelCurb WeightLoadingTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing
Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW Snowplow UsageRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing 2WD ModelsRecreational Towing 4WD ModelsEQUIPMENT
IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER ADDING FUEL CHANGING A FLAT TIRE Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedureJUMP STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW
HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Four-Wheel Drive VehiclesTwo-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 4.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler
Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsEngine Air Cleaner FilterEngine
Fuel FilterCatalytic ConverterMaintenance Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsDrive Shaft Constant Velocity JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling System
Emission Related ComponentsBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionTransfer CaseAxlesAppearance Careand Protection from CorrosionFUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT
LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsRear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stoplamp, and Turn Signal Bulbs - ReplacementCenter High-Mounted Stoplamp And Cargo LampLicense LampsFog LampsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR
OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In Canada
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX