2009 DODGE CARAVAN cooling

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
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of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of the
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
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FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)20 Gallons 76 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.3L and 3.8L Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.3, 3.8, and 4.0 Liter Engine (MOPAREngine Coolant/
Antifreeze 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)13.4 Quarts 12.6 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level. Add 2.9 Qts (2.8 L) if equipped with a rear
heater.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
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Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 255
Connector
UCI ................................ 286
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 286
Console.............................. 217
Console, Floor.......................... 217
Console, Overhead....................... 194
Console, Removable...................... 222
Contract, Service........................ 505
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 453
Cooling System......................... 450
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 452
Coolant Capacity...................... 479
Coolant Level......................451,454
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 454
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 451
Inspection........................... 454
Points to Remember.................... 455
Pressure Cap......................... 453Radiator Cap......................... 453
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......451,479,480
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 183
Cup Holder.........................209,466
Customer Assistance..................... 503
Data Recorder, Event...................... 76
Daytime Running Lights................... 176
Dealer Service.......................... 438
Defroster, Rear Window................... 223
Defroster, Windshield................94,304,314
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 435
Dimmer Control........................ 174
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 459
Automatic Transmission................. 459
Oil (Engine).......................... 438
Power Steering........................ 338
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 427
INDEX 515
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Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 454
Engine Oil........................... 441
Domelight............................. 173
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 448
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 334
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 335
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 383
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Brake Assist System.................... 346Electronic Stability Program............... 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 183
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 347
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,252
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 424
Overheating.......................... 410
Emission Control System Maintenance......436,484
Engine............................433,434
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 438
Compartment......................433,434
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 450
516 INDEX
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Flat Changing........................ 421
General Information.................... 358
High Speed.......................... 360
Inflation Pressures..................... 359
Jacking...........................412,415
Life of Tires.......................... 364
Load Capacity.....................354,355
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 370
Pressure Warning Light.................. 245
Quality Grading....................... 509
Radial.............................. 361
Replacement......................... 365
Rotation............................. 369
Safety...........................349,358
Sizes............................... 350
Snow Tires........................... 368
Spare Tire........................... 413
Spinning............................ 363
Tread Wear Indicators................... 364Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 399
Towing............................... 393
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 129
Disabled Vehicle....................... 427
Guide.............................. 398
Recreational.......................407,429
Weight.............................. 398
Towing Assistance....................... 129
Traction Control......................... 345
Traction Control Switch................... 345
Trailer Towing.......................... 393
Cooling System Tips.................... 406
Hitches............................. 397
Minimum Requirements................. 400
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 399
Wiring.............................. 403
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 398
Trailer Weight.......................... 398
Transaxle............................. 327
528 INDEX
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