2005 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 312

312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, follow the preceding safety tips. Cooling System Inspection Coolant protection checks should be made at every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check face of radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core. Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tightness of connection at coolant bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks. WARNING! You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood don't open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. If you open the hood and see steam or hot coolant escaping from the radiator, don't touch anything. Get away quickly. Never try to open a pressure cap when the radiator is hot.