2012 Dodge Journey Owner Manual - Page 524

522 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Coolant Level 2.4L Engine - the coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be between the "ADD" and "FULL" lines, shown on the bottle. Points To Remember NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (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 vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine 3.6L Engine - the level of the coolant in the pressurized coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. coolant bottle should be between the "COLD" and If an examination of your engine compartment shows no "FULL" range on the bottle when the engine is cold. evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for coolant freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti- • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle. freeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As long as • Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. When engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maincontents of coolant recovery bottle must also be protain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant tected against freezing. bottle. Do not overfill.