2012 DODGE CARAVAN coolant temperature

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 the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to 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 the 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.
566 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com

•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.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also 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 coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 567
ProCarManuals.com

Fuses................................ 578
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) ........... 231
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............490,492,546
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 482
Conserving ......................... 310
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 482
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 482
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 296
Fuel .............................. 293
Speedometer ........................ 293
Tachometer ......................... 286
Gear Ranges ........................... 427
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 537
General Information ...............17,28,155,481
Glass Cleaning .......................... 576
Gross Axle Weight Rating ...............493,496
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............493,495Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)
............. 125
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 435
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 513
Head Restraints ......................... 167
Headlights Bulb Replacement .................... 586
Cleaning ........................... 575
Lights On Reminder .................. 200
Passing ............................ 204
Replacing .......................... 586
Time Delay ......................... 199
Washers ........................... 199
Heated Mirrors ......................... 115
Heated Seats ........................... 163
Heater ............................... 393
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 422
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 204
10
INDEX 627
ProCarManuals.com

Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 470
Snow Tires ............................ 472
Spare Tire ....................... 465,466,516
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 212
Speedometer ........................... 293
Starting ............................... 419
Automatic Transmission ................ 419
Cold Weather ....................... 420
Engine Fails to Start .................. 420
Remote ............................ 29
Starting and Operating .................... 419
Starting Procedures ...................... 419
Steering Power .......................... 437,438
Tilt Column ........................ 208
Wheel, Heated ...................... 209
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 208
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 390Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls
......................... 390
Storage ............................ 254,585
Storage Bin ............................ 254
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 412,585
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 585
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) Seats ............. 172
Sun Roof .............................. 241
Sunglasses Storage ....................... 228
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 244
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 70
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 552
System, Remote Starting .................... 29
Tachometer ............................ 286
Telescoping Steering Column ............... 208
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 400
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......296,514
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 90
10
INDEX 635
ProCarManuals.com