How to Add Coolant to a Dodge Caravan
by Zyon SilketWhen you have routine maintenance done on your Dodge Caravan, the shop usually checks vital fluids such as antifreeze. However, if you are a do-it-yourself mechanic your Caravan rarely sees a repair garage. This means the responsibility of topping off the coolant falls to you. Fortunately, the process for adding coolant to your Dodge Caravan is simple and is a basic part of the maintenance process.
Step 1
Open the engine hood and prop it with the hood prop.
Step 2
Remove the radiator cap from the filler tube.
Step 3
Place a funnel into the filler tube.
Step 4
Fill a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water into the radiator until the fluid level reaches the top of the filler tube. Remove the funnel.
Step 5
Start the engine and allow it to idle for 5 minutes. This pushes air from the coolant system.
Step 6
Close the radiator cap.
References
- "Dodge Caravan Repair Manual Years 2003 to 2007": Haynes:2008
Tips
- Always use the same color antifreeze that came in your vehicle when it was new. The Dodge Caravan's antifreeze color is green. The color denotes the chemical makeup of the fluid, and using a different color can cause damage to your engine.
Things You'll Need
- Funnel
- Antifreeze
- Distilled water
Warnings
- Do not open the radiator cap when your Dodge Caravan engine is hot. As the coolant system heats up, the system pressurizes. When you open the cap, the pressure releases in the form of very hot steam. This could cause severe burns.
Writer Bio
Since 2006 Zyon Silket has been writing for companies such as SEOWhat, L&C Freelancing and T-Mobile Wireless. He has extensive experience working in supervisory roles within the wireless and Internet technologies fields. Silket is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business management and network technologies at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
