2011 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 420

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417 • Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the Engine Coolant Checks Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every vehicle. 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where • Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (antiidle or malfunctioning operating conditions. freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser (if Cooling System equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a WARNING! garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core. You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber, you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at do not open the hood until the radiator has had time the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure entire system for leaks. cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot. With the engine at normal operating temperature (but not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of 7