Chrysler Stratus LHD 1997, Interactive Electronic Service Manual, Page: 226 / 1534

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
If unit does not operate, trouble can be in either
the power cord or the heater element. Test power
cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or 110-
volt test light; test heater element continuity with an
ohmmeter or 12-volt test light.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
ROUTINE COOLANT LEVEL CHECK
Do not remove radiator cap for routine cool-
ant level inspections.
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without
removing the radiator cap. Simply observe, with the
engine idling and warmed up to normal operating
temperature, that the level of the coolant in the
reserve tank is between the minimum and maximum
marks.
ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT
NOTE: The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed, it should be
added to the coolant reserve tank. Use only 50/50
concentration of ethylene glycol type antifreeze and
water
SERVICING COOLANT LEVEL
NOTE: The cooling system is closed and designed
to maintain coolant level to the top of the radiator.
When servicing requires a coolant level check in
the radiator, the engine must be off and not under
pressure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the
radiator drain cock while observing the Coolant
Recovery System (CRS) Tank. Coolant level in the
CRS tank should drop slightly. Then remove the radi-
ator cap. The radiator should be full to the top. If
not, and the coolant level in the CRS tank is at the
ADD mark there is a air leak in the CRS system.
Check hose or hose connections to the CRS tank,
radiator filler neck or the pressure cap seal to the
radiator filler neck for leaks.
DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM
NOTE: Drain, flush, and fill the cooling system at
the mileage or time intervals specified in the Main-
tenance Schedule in this Group. If the solution is
dirty or rusty or contains a considerable amount of
sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Care should be taken in disposing
of the used engine coolant from your vehicle.
Check governmental regulations for disposal of
used engine coolant.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP OR OPEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK, WHEN SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
To drain cooling system move temperature selector
for heater to full heat with engine running (to pro-
vide vacuum for actuation). Without removing
radiator pressure cap and with system not
under pressure, Shut engine off and open draincock
(Fig. 23). The coolant reserve tank should empty
first, then remove radiator pressure cap. (if not, see
Testing Cooling System for leaks).
NOTE: To open draincock on vehicle equipped with
2.5L engine, use a 3/8 inch drive extension 3” long,
a 19mm socket with universal.
REFILLING COOLING SYSTEM
First clean system to remove old glycol, see Cooling
System Cleaning.
Fill system using antifreeze described in Coolant
section. Fill 50 percent of capacity with 100 percent
glycol. Then complete filling system with water. The
thermostats in the these engines allow air flow to
through them.
Continue filling system until full, this provides bet-
ter heater performance. Be careful not to spill
coolant on drive belts or the generator.
Fill coolant reserve system to at least the FULL
HOT mark with 50/50 solution. It may be necessary
to add coolant to the reserve tank to maintain cool-
ant level between the FULL HOT and ADD mark
after three or four warm-up, cool down cycles and
trapped air has been removed.
Fig. 23 Draincock—Typical
DRAIN COCK BODY
JA
COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)