Dakota 2WD V6-3.9L VIN X (1997)
Coolant: Description and Operation
General Information
WARNING: Antifreeze is an ethylene glycol base coolant and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. If swallowed, drink two glasses of water and
induce vomiting. If inhaled, move to fresh air area. seek medical attention immediately. Do not store in open or unmarked containers. Wash
skin and clothing thoroughly after coming in contact with ethylene glycol. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of glycol base coolant
properly, contact your dealer or government agency for location of collection center in your area. Do not open a cooling system when the
engine is at running temperature, personal injury can result. Avoid radiator cooling fan when engine compartment related service is
performed, personal injury can result.
CAUTION: Do not use straight antifreeze as engine coolant, inadequate engine running temperatures can result. Do not operate vehicle without proper
concentration of recommended ethylene glycol coolant, high running temperatures and cooling system corrosion can result.
DESCRIPTION
The cooling system is designed around the coolant. Coolant flows through the engine water jacket absorbing heat produced during engine
operation.
PURPOSE
The coolant carries the heat to radiator and heater core fins. Here it is transferred to the ambient air passing through the radiator and heater core
fins. The coolant also removes heat from the automatic transmision.
MIXTURE
The cooling system factory fill is a mixture of 50% Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze and 50% water. Using a suitable hydrometer, measure
antifreeze concentration in the radiator when the engine is cool. If the cooling system has recently been serviced, allow coolant to circulate for at
least 20 minutes before taking hydrometer reading. Properly mixed coolant will protect the cooling system to -37°C (-35°F). If the freeze
protection is above -28°C (-20°F), drain enough coolant from the cooling system to allow room to add antifreeze to achieve adequate protection.
NOTE: Chrysler Corporation recommends Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or a high quality, ethylene glycol base antifreeze/coolant, with a silicate
inhibitor.
