2011 DODGE AVENGER radiator cap

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) — If
Equipped
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE: The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 373

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at anytime the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not 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.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty orrusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. 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 deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 cool-
ant. 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 addi-
tional 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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally 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, the 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.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

Capacities, Fluid........................ 442
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 354
Oil (Engine) ..................... 397,405
Power Steering ...................... 303
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 418
Car Washes ............................ 427
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,350
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,268
Chains, Tire ............................ 335
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 374
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 318
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 400
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,78,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............76,78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34 Cigar Lighter
........................... 175
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 346
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 429
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 412
Climate Control ......................... 268
Clock ........................... 217,235,245
Coin Holder ........................... 177
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 267
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 330
Compass ........................... 201,209
Compass Calibration ..................... 210
Compass Variance ....................... 210
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,207
Connector UCI .............................. 259
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 259
Console .............................. 146
Console, Floor ....................... 146,177
474 INDEX

Contract, Service........................ 465
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 418
Cooling System ......................... 416
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 417
Coolant Capacity ..................... 442
Coolant Level .................... 416,419
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 419
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 416
Inspection .......................... 419
Points to Remember .................. 420
Pressure Cap ........................ 418
Radiator Cap ....................... 418
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ....417,442,443
Corrosion Protection ..................... 426
Crankcase Ventilation Module ............... 20
Cruise Light ........................... 195
Cupholders ...................... 146,175,432
Customer Assistance ..................... 463
Customer Programmable Features ............ 212Data Recorder, Event
...................... 71
Daytime Running Lights ................... 152
Dealer Service .......................... 402
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 181
Defroster, Windshield ................86,271,277
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ...............30,155
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 399
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 151
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle ...............425,426
Oil (Engine) ........................ 403
Power Steering ...................... 303
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 391
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 419
Engine Oil ......................... 406
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 162
10
INDEX 475

PowerDoor Locks ......................... 32
Mirrors ............................ 95
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 171
Seats ............................. 133
Steering ........................... 303
Sunroof ........................... 168
Windows ........................... 35
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 58
Preparation for Jacking .................... 375
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 52
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 212
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 329
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 418
Radio Operation ........................ 268 Radio Remote Controls
.................... 266
Rear Cupholder ......................... 176
Rear Seat, Folding .................... 145,146
Rear Window Defroster ................... 181
Rear Window Features .................... 181
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 93
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 71
Recreational Towing ...................... 369
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 346
Refrigerant ............................ 410
Reminder, Seat Belt ..................... 56,57
Remote Control Door Locks ......................... 21
Security Alarm ....................... 18
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 21
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ............... 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 266
Remote Starting System .................... 27
Remote Trunk Release ..................... 39
484 INDEX