SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 461
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for deter-
mining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine in
the
OFF mode and cold, the level of the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges indicated
o
n t
he bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need
to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap unless
checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
main
tain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 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
o
per
ation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of
the engine compartment. This is normally a result of mois
-
ture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the
radi
ator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evid
ence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely
driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Che
ck the freezing point of the coolant (antifreeze) in the
rad
iator and in the coolant expansion bottle. If determined
that more engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added to
the radiator, the contents of the coolant expansion bottle
must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
req
uired, the cooling system should be pressure tested for
leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
min
imum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hos
es are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equ
ipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
7
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